RIVERVIEW, FL – A Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) detective narrowly escaped injury after being robbed at gunpoint during an undercover operation to purchase narcotics. The incident, which occurred on July 18, 2025, led to the arrest of three individuals.
Detectives with the Special Investigations Division Gang Unit arranged an undercover transaction after communicating with a social media account soliciting the sale of THC vape pens, marijuana, and Oxycodone. The meeting was set at the Reflections Apartment Complex in Riverview.
During the transaction, two individuals, identified as Daryl Cole, 17, and Christopher Samuels, 18, approached the detective. What began as a drug deal quickly escalated into an armed robbery. Both suspects allegedly brandished firearms, threatened the detective, pressed the weapons against his body, and demanded his cash. After robbing him, they attempted to steal his vehicle but fled on foot when unsuccessful.
“In a split second, this incident could have ended in tragedy,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “The fact that our detective walked away unharmed is nothing short of a miracle. Our deputies put their lives on the line every single day to protect this community from the violent individuals who threaten it, and we will never stop pursuing justice.”
Suspects Apprehended with Extensive Charges
Daryl Cole was located and arrested at his sister’s residence in Tampa. He has an extensive criminal history, including 26 prior felony arrests, 10 misdemeanor arrests, and an active juvenile pickup order at the time of this incident. Cole faces the following charges:
- Armed Carjacking
- Robbery with a Firearm
- Minor in Possession of a Firearm
- Armed Burglary of a Conveyance
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Christopher Samuels was arrested in Auburndale, FL, with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Auburndale Police Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol. Samuels has prior arrests for battery on a law enforcement officer and is currently a suspect in other felony cases. He is now facing these charges related to the incident:
- Armed Carjacking
- Robbery with a Firearm
- Armed Burglary of a Conveyance
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
A third suspect, Ce’Dreon Davis, 18, was later identified as the getaway driver. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Davis picking up Cole and Samuels shortly after the robbery. Davis was arrested and charged as an accessory to the following offenses:
- Armed Carjacking
- Robbery with a Firearm
- Armed Burglary of a Conveyance
This remains an active investigation.
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