Armed home invasion robbery arrest

Fernandina Beach Police Department
Press Release
James T. Hurley, Chief
June 19, 2019 7:13 p.m.

Detective Sergeant Tracey Hamilton and Detective Christina Smith traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina yesterday to be on hand for the arrest of a fugitive wanted in connection with an armed home invasion robbery that occurred on December 22nd on Manatee Avenue in Fernandina Beach.

Cedrice Dezarie Brown, 24 years of age, was taken into custody without incident by local law enforcement agencies early this morning while hiding in an off-campus apartment near the University of North Carolina. Brown was in possession of two stolen firearms and was booked on various North Carolina charges. The Fernandina Beach detectives were present when he was taken into custody and later conducted an interview with Brown in an attempt to gather additional information related to the home invasion robbery. A hold was then placed on Brown to have him extradited to Florida once his other charges have been addressed. The Fernandina Beach arrest warrant charged Brown with Armed Robbery and Armed Burglary and carried a bond of $500,004.00.

As the investigation progressed over the past several months, it was determined that the robbery was pre-planned based on one of the suspects having personal knowledge of items kept in the home. The residence on Manatee Avenue was occupied by approximately 15 individuals at the time of the robbery. The victims reported that several suspects, wearing masks to conceal their identity, entered the third floor of the residence and were carrying various weapons. The suspects reportedly demanded that the victims get on the floor and turn over their personal property. Two victims were struck in the head by guns and sustained injuries.

While fleeing the home, one of the suspects was captured and held by two of the residents. The detained suspect was turned over to law enforcement upon their arrival at the scene.

Three of the suspects are now in custody and charged with this offense and this investigation is continuing as efforts are being made to identify the remaining suspects, who are believed to be from outside the Nassau County, FL area.

To view previous press release on the home invasion click here.