Two suspects were arrested after robbing a man at gunpoint on Christmas Day in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven on Finley Avenue. Polk County Sheriff’s Office Robbery detectives identified Christian Ayala (25) and Najee Mears (34) as the individuals involved in the crime.
The victim, who was visiting family and staying at an Airbnb in Davenport, had stopped at the 7-Eleven around 5:00 p.m. to clean up a coffee spill in his car. While inside the store retrieving napkins, the suspects arrived in Ayala’s gray Honda Accord and parked in front of the victim’s car.
When the victim returned, Mears confronted him with a gun and demanded his belongings, threatening to shoot. The victim handed over his backpack, which contained his wallet, cash, credit cards, and other personal items.
Deputies utilized the victim’s detailed descriptions and video surveillance to identify the suspects and their vehicle. Detectives traced the vehicle to an address on Sunny Day Way in Davenport. On December 31, they made contact with Ayala, who admitted to the crime.
Mears initially attempted to evade law enforcement by trying to jump over the property’s back fence but ultimately surrendered peacefully. Both suspects confessed to the robbery.
During a search of their rooms, detectives recovered the victim’s backpack and belongings. They also seized a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun from Mears’ room, along with 45.90 grams of marijuana. Ayala’s room contained 35.60 grams of marijuana.
Mears, who has prior felony convictions in New Jersey, was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear on a petit theft charge. Ayala is currently on probation for possession of marijuana over 20 grams.
Charges:
Najee Mears
- Armed robbery (FL)
- Conspiracy to commit armed robbery (F2)
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (F2)
- Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)
- Resisting arrest (M1)
Christian Ayala
- Armed robbery (FL)
- Conspiracy to commit armed robbery (F2)
- Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)
- Violation of probation (M2)
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd commended the detectives, stating, “These two were certainly not celebrating Christmas appropriately – they were sticking a gun in someone’s face. Luckily they didn’t shoot the victim or anyone else, and thanks to the swift actions and excellent investigative skills of my detectives, they are now both behind bars.”
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