FROSTPROOF, Fla. – A 15-year-old is in custody, and a 16-year-old is being sought in connection with the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old man during a marijuana deal in Frostproof on Sunday afternoon.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced the arrest of 15-year-old Tajay Allen, who is facing charges of attempted robbery, first-degree murder, and tampering with evidence. The Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for the second suspect, a 16-year-old accomplice, and is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Judd did not release the 16-year-old suspect’s name.
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According to Sheriff Judd, the incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Sunday when the 22-year-old victim, who has not yet been identified, arrived in the neighborhood to sell marijuana to the two teens. However, the teens, who did not have money to pay for the drugs, allegedly attempted to rob the victim.
“They didn’t have any money to buy dope,” Sheriff Judd said. “But he came down, our victim came down with quite a bit of dope. It wasn’t just a little baggy, it was quite a bit of dope. And as a result, two kids are charged with first-degree murder.”
During the encounter, one of the suspects allegedly pulled out a firearm and began shooting at the victim, who attempted to return fire. The victim was found dead in the street, clutching the marijuana in his hand.
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Sheriff Judd expressed his frustration with the perception that dealing marijuana is a “low-level, non-violent” crime. He emphasized the tragic consequences of this incident, which has resulted in the death of a 22-year-old and two teenagers facing first-degree murder charges.
“It’s a sad story all the way around,” Sheriff Judd said. “None of it should have happened.”
Authorities are urging the 16-year-old suspect to turn himself in. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).
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