Crestview Man Robs Couple Who Gave Him Car Ride

A Crestview man who robbed a couple at knifepoint Tuesday night is now charged with armed robbery and violation of probation. The victims told Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies they were giving acquaintance 46-year old William John Beatty of 345 Brett Street a ride to a home on Shortwell Avenue. However once they arrived, they say Beatty pulled a knife from his pocket, demanded money, and threatened to cut one of them. The man handed over $30, all the cash he had. While the deputy was interviewing the victims on South Ferdon Boulevard, Beatty approached and was positively identified by the couple. Beatty, who had $20 dollars in his pocket, said he’d been at a local bar drinking beer. He was arrested for armed robbery and also violation of probation after a check revealed he was on felony probation for an original charge of possession of a controlled substance.

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