Florida Man Sentenced to Four Years for Shirtless Taco Bell Robbery Using Large Rock
OCALA, Fla. — A Florida man was sentenced to four years in prison following a bizarre and alarming robbery at a Taco Bell restaurant in Ocala last July. Kewarren Lee Anderson, 40, entered the fast-food establishment shirtless by jumping through the drive-thru window while wielding a large rock. He used the rock to threaten employees and customers, forcing them to evacuate the building before fleeing the scene.
According to law enforcement officials, Anderson demanded money from workers and patrons during the incident, which caused significant distress. The Ocala Police Department swiftly responded, deploying a K-9 unit that tracked Anderson to a nearby dumpster where he was found panicking and subsequently arrested.
Body camera footage released by the police shows Anderson’s frantic behavior behind the dumpster, corroborating witness accounts from the restaurant. Anderson told officers he was homeless and in need of money, a claim that was part of his defense during the sentencing.
Authorities charged Anderson with robbery with a deadly weapon, given the use of the large rock as a threat. The case was prosecuted with the support of the Marion County State Attorney’s Office, emphasizing the danger posed to the public during the crime.
Robberies involving weapons, even improvised ones like rocks, are taken seriously under Florida law. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement notes that such actions endanger both employees and customers, warranting stringent penalties.
Anderson’s sentencing follows a growing concern over violent crimes targeting fast-food establishments nationwide. The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that retail and food service locations have seen an uptick in robberies involving weapons, underscoring the risks faced by workers in these sectors.
Legal experts point out that while homelessness and poverty are significant social issues, they do not excuse criminal behavior. The Office of Justice Programs advocates for comprehensive approaches that combine law enforcement with social services to address root causes of crime.
The Ocala Police Department continues to work with community organizations to increase safety and provide support for vulnerable populations. This case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in balancing public safety with compassion.
For more information on crime prevention and law enforcement initiatives in Florida, visit the City of Ocala official website.
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