SANFORD, Fla. — A man and a woman were arrested in connection with a rash of recent armed robberies in the historic district of Sanford, police said.
Sanford Police arrested Diquan Walker and Lizbet Martinez Thursday.
The latest robbery happened on New Year’s Eve, when a pastor was robbed outside his church.
"I'm glad they got them," said Sanford resident Chineta Bradley.
Surveillance video from the robbery at the Iglesia Vida Nueva church shows a man sitting on the steps of the church and then whipping out a gun.
The video ends there, but police said the robber then pistol-whipped the pastor and stole his wallet and cellphone.
"I'm very glad to be alive today and be able to talk to people. (To) tell the story and be prepared for anything that happen at anytime," said the victim in the church beating.
According to a police report, on Dec. 19, a woman and her husband had just gotten to First Baptist Church at 5th Street and Magnolia Avenue when a man leaned into the car and demanded money at gunpoint.
The robber told the couple, “Give me your phone or I will kill you,” and “I’ll blow your head off," authorities said.
He stole a cellphone and wallet from the couple, police said.
A woman said someone pointed a gun at her the same day at 11th Street and Palmetto Avenue and demanded her phone, but took off when a neighbor saw what was happening.
Police said that Walker and Martinez confirmed in an interview that Walker was responsible for seven armed robberies in Sanford. Police said it was also confirmed that Martinez aided Walker in the robberies by selecting the victims and using some of the victims’ credit cards after the robberies.
“I am proud of the work that each of my officers and investigators put forth. Additionally, it’s encouraging to have witnessed how the Sanford community came together and united during this time. These last few weeks were really a testament to what community policing should look like. Regardless of the arrest, we look forward to meeting with the community on Jan. 10 as we continue to make Sanford a great place to live, work, and play,” Sanford police Chief Cecil Smith said.
Police said the possible weapon used, clothing worn during the robberies and items taken during the robberies were recovered after a search of the location where Walker and Martinez had been staying.
Additional charges are pending, investigators said.
Walker is being held without bail. Martinez must wear a GPS monitor if she posts bail, the judge ruled.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 800 423-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimeline.org. Calls made to Crimeline remain anonymous and tips to Crimeline that lead to solving a felony case are eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
******UPDATE***** #Breaking Diquan Walker was located and taken into custody by Sanford Police Department's Neighborhood...
Posted by Sanford Police Department on Thursday, January 5, 2017
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