On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at approximately 12:35 p.m., Lake City Police responded to a report of a robbery in progress at the Days Inn Hotel, 3144 West U.S. Highway 90. Officers arriving on the scene observed a Hispanic male trying to enter a vehicle that did not belong to him. The suspect was immediately detained and placed in a patrol vehicle while the investigation continued.
Authorities identified the suspect as 42-year-old Reinaldo Milo Rivera II of Miami, Florida. Investigators determined that Rivera had confronted a pest control employee in the parking lot, demanding the keys to the employee’s company truck. When the employee refused, Rivera threatened violence and attempted to forcibly enter the vehicle. The victim retreated into the hotel and called law enforcement for assistance.
Inside the hotel lobby, Rivera then confronted a hotel employee and tried to force his way inside after issuing threats. The employee attempted to block the doorway, but Rivera grabbed her wrist, pushed past her, and took the keys to the truck before returning outside to attempt entry into another vehicle.
Rivera was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Columbia County Detention Facility. He is charged with Battery and Robbery without Weapon or Firearm. Rivera was out on bond for an arrest in Orange County for Theft.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or other criminal activity is urged to contact the Lake City Police Department at (386) 752-4343. Tips can also be reported anonymously through the LCPD TIPS line at (386) 719-2068 or Crime Stoppers of Columbia County at (386) 754-7099.
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