Christopher Arrick Townsend, 37, of Lehigh Acres, is in custody after an armed robbery at a Little Caesar’s Pizza in Immokalee led to a vehicle pursuit and his eventual arrest in Hendry County. Townsend is also suspected in five other armed robberies in Collier County and multiple armed robberies in neighboring counties.
On Wednesday night, deputies responded to an armed robbery at the Little Caesar’s Pizza at 525 N. 15th St. in Immokalee. The suspect, dressed in all black with a ski mask, gloves, and a bag, brandished a firearm and demanded cash from an employee. The cashier complied, and the suspect fled. No one was injured during the robbery.
The suspect’s description matched that of a suspect involved in five previous armed robberies in Collier County, all of which involved a white Mini Cooper. Detectives identified Townsend, who is known to drive a white Mini Cooper owned by a family member, as the suspect.
Following the Little Caesar’s robbery, deputies, with assistance from the Real-Time Operations Center, located the Mini Cooper near Lake Trafford Road and State Road 29. During a traffic stop, Townsend jumped into the driver’s seat and led deputies on a pursuit into Hendry County.
The pursuit ended approximately 10 miles later in Hendry County, where Townsend was apprehended. A young child was found in the backseat of the vehicle.
At the time of his arrest, Townsend was wearing clothing matching the Little Caesar’s robber’s description. Items matching those worn by the suspect, including a mask, gloves, and a bag, were found inside the Mini Cooper.
Townsend is currently held in the Hendry County Jail awaiting transfer to Collier County. He faces armed robbery and fleeing and eluding charges in connection with the Little Caesar’s robbery. Additional charges are expected in connection with the other armed robberies.
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