DAVENPORT, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff’s Office Robbery detectives have arrested two suspects involved in an armed robbery that occurred on Christmas Day at the 7-Eleven parking lot on Finley Avenue in Davenport.
The victim, visiting family in Polk County and staying at an Airbnb, went to the 7-Eleven around 5:00 p.m. to clean up a coffee spill in his car. While retrieving napkins inside the store, the suspects, identified as Christian Ayala (25) and Najee Mears (34), arrived in a gray Honda Accord.
When the victim returned to his car, Mears allegedly pointed a gun at him, demanding his belongings and threatening to shoot. The victim handed over his backpack, which contained his wallet, cash, credit cards, and other personal items.
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The victim provided deputies with detailed descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle. Surveillance footage corroborated his account, helping detectives identify the vehicle, registered at an address on Sunny Day Way in Davenport.
On December 31, detectives visited the residence and spoke with Ayala and his mother, who confirmed Ayala lived there and rented a room to Mears.
Ayala admitted to participating in the robbery, while Mears initially resisted arrest, attempting to flee by jumping a fence. He ultimately surrendered peacefully and also confessed to the crime.
During a search of their rooms, detectives recovered the victim’s backpack and belongings, along with marijuana (45.90 grams in Mears’ room and 35.60 grams in Ayala’s room). Mears also had a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun.
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Najee Mears has an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in Polk County and two prior felony convictions in New Jersey for unlawful possession of a firearm and criminal trespassing. Christian Ayala is currently on probation for possession of marijuana over 20 grams.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd condemned the suspects’ actions, stating, “These two were certainly not celebrating Christmas appropriately—they were sticking a gun in someone’s face. Luckily, they didn’t shoot the victim or anyone else. Thanks to the swift actions and excellent investigative skills of my detectives, they are now both behind bars.”
Charges
Najee Mears was booked into the Polk County Jail on the following charges:
- Armed robbery (F1)
- Conspiracy to commit armed robbery (F2)
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (F2)
- Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)
- Resisting arrest (M1)
Christian Ayala faces charges of:
- Armed robbery (F1)
- Conspiracy to commit armed robbery (F2)
- Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)
- Violation of probation (M2)
Both suspects are currently in custody at the Polk County Jail. Authorities commend the collaborative efforts of detectives and deputies that led to the resolution of this case.
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