JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. — Authorities are investigating another armed robbery of a Hispanic family, the third incident of its type in Marianna in which the Hispanic community has been targeted.
On Wednesday at about 11:57 p.m., the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in reference to an armed robbery which took place at a home on Watson Street in Marianna.
According to witnesses, two suspects entered a mobile home, which was occupied by a Hispanic family, demanding money.
The suspects were said to be wearing all black clothing and armed with a gun. The suspects were also seen wearing a face mask which concealed their faces.
One of the suspects was described as being approximately 6-foot tall, and the other was described as being 5’10, both with a slender build.
JCSO said the suspects entered the mobile home between 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday and 12:00 a.m. on Thursday. The suspects demanded the two Hispanic adults give them money, however, one of two children in the home was able to translate and tell the suspects they did not have any money in the home.
One of the suspects then left the home and entered a mobile home next door. The other armed suspect remained in the first mobile home keeping the two adults and two children hostage.
The second mobile home was occupied by four Hispanic males, and one infant child. The armed suspect hit one of the victims on the face with the end of the gun prior to taking an undisclosed amount of money from his wallet.
The suspect then entered another room in the home and took an undisclosed amount of money from a second victim. Prior to the suspect leaving the second home he broke two of the victim’s cell phone.
The K-9 units from the Jackson Correctional Facility and Apalachee Correctional Facility were called to assist in finding the suspects.
This is the third incident in Marianna, in which the Hispanic community has been targeted.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office would like to encourage the Hispanic community to report any incidents such as these, and if anyone has any information in reference to these incidents, they are encouraged to call Chipola Crimestoppers at 850-526-5000 or the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, 850-482-9624. The investigation is ongoing.
