NEWS RELEASE                                             

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2005
Contact: Catherine Dokey
Community Relations Coordinator 
(850) 651-7448
 

Three Arrests Made in Two Linked Armed Robberies

A joint investigation conducted by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division and the Fort Walton Beach Police Department lead to the arrests of three individuals responsible for the home invasion robbery at 1502 W. Ponderosa Road, Fort Walton Beach and Hibbett's Sports Store, located at 411 Mary Esther Cutoff, Fort Walton Beach.  A search warrant was executed with the assistance of the Special Response Team (SRT) around 6:30 p.m. this evening (Thursday) at 406 Marshall Court, Apt #3 , in Fort Walton Beach . 

Benjamin Elijah Cole, age 20 (09/05/1985) of 406 Marshall Court, Apt #3, was arrested for armed robbery for his involvement at Hibbett's Sports Store and charged for principle to robbery for the home invasion.  William "Polo" Carter Pinnix, age 25 (11/04/1980) of 713 Harbor Boulevard, Unit #135, in Destin, was arrested for principle to armed robbery for his involvement at Hibbett's Sports Store and charged with robbery-home invasion, grand theft, and aggravated assault with firearm for the home invasion.  The third suspect, Brandon Loshon Hernandez, age 23 (07/19/1982) of 321 Hollywood Boulevard NW, Fort Walton Beach, was arrested by the Fort Walton Beach Police in a un-related case for principle to armed robbery.  Through the investigative efforts of the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, information revealed that Hernandez was a co-defendant in the armed robberies at Hibbett's and 1502 W. Ponderosa .  Additional charges are pending for Hernandez with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.       

A fourth suspect, Dexter Lewis, age 33 (11/21/1971) of 135 N. Audrey Circle , Fort Walton Beach , is currently being sought.  Lewis is wanted for his involvement in both armed robberies.  Lewis is considered armed and dangerous.      

The investigation is currently ongoing and additional suspects may be charged.  Anyone with information about Dexter Lewis's whereabouts may contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office at (850) 651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 863-TIPS.

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