LIVE OAK, Fla. — A 22-year-old man was arrested early Wednesday morning after authorities say he attempted to rob a hotel employee at gunpoint before fleeing on foot.
According to the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and officers with the Live Oak Police Department responded during the early morning hours of June 24 to the Quality Inn located in the 6800 block of U.S. Highway 129 following a reported robbery.
Investigators identified the suspect as Tra’darius Norton, 22.
Authorities said Norton entered the business wearing a bandana over his face and demanded money from an employee. When the employee informed him that no money was available, Norton fled the scene on foot.
Responding officers quickly obtained a description of the suspect and began searching the surrounding area.
Within minutes, law enforcement officers located Norton and took him into custody.
During the encounter, officers discovered Norton was carrying a loaded handgun concealed in his clothing.
According to investigators, Norton later waived his Miranda rights and admitted to entering the hotel, demanding money from the employee, and possessing the firearm during the incident.
Detectives also recovered additional evidence, including the bandana allegedly worn during the robbery and clothing that Norton discarded while attempting to evade law enforcement.
Norton was arrested and charged with Armed Robbery. He was transported to the Suwannee County Jail.
The Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office credited the swift apprehension to the coordinated efforts of deputies and officers from the Live Oak Police Department.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.