Floral City, FL — Two suspects were arrested after Citrus County detectives uncovered a series of crimes connected to a vandalized ATM and a stolen vehicle just hours before the Floral City Strawberry Festival.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office said detectives responded early Friday morning, March 6, to Floral Park after a report of a possible burglary where festival crews were setting up for the annual event.
Investigators discovered an ATM near the playground had been tipped over, pried open and heavily damaged overnight. The suspects broke the protective metal housing and severed the keypad, but were unable to access the internal safe that contained the cash.
Crime scene specialists processed the area and recovered several pieces of evidence, including a beer can and a bent butter knife.
During the investigation, detectives learned that a UTV had been stolen from a nearby residence during the same timeframe.
While canvassing the area, detectives later located the stolen UTV in a wooded area. Authorities said the vehicle had been intentionally burned.
Investigators found several beer cans of the same brand near the burned vehicle, linking the theft and arson to the vandalism at Floral Park.
Within five hours of the initial call, detectives developed probable cause to arrest two suspects following interviews with witnesses and those involved.
Authorities arrested 18-year-old Joshua Michael Yuranko and 18-year-old Anthony J. Robinson.
Both suspects were charged with arson, burglary of an occupied dwelling, attempted grand theft between $10,000 and $20,000, grand theft between $5,000 and $10,000, tampering with evidence and criminal mischief exceeding $1,000.
Officials credited the quick arrests to coordinated efforts among deputies, detectives and crime scene investigators.
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