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Highlands Today

Search Continues For Second Suspect

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By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: October 12, 2008

AVON PARK - The owner of Donut King did not see the individuals coming who eventually robbed her.

Before leaving the shop in the late-evening hours of Sept. 27, she said her baker checked outside to see if anyone was there. The coast appeared to be clear, so she went to the parking lot, only to be accosted by two men in dark clothing.

"Suddenly, they covered my face and my mouth and then they pushed me down and I fell," the victim said.

She left the ordeal with scraped knees. The suspects left with two bags containing an undisclosed amount of cash, a cell phone, identification, keys to the store and miscellaneous papers, according to the arrest report.

A witness saw the robbery.

After getting the call of a robbery in progress, officers with the Avon Police Department were able to catch one of the men.

Suspect Marcellous Anthony Willis, 28, of 125 Compass Ave., Lake Placid, remained in Highlands County Jail in lieu of a $42,500 bond Friday, after he was charged in the strong-arm robbery of the Donut King owner.

Willis was charged with robbery by sudden snatching, grand theft more than $300, possession of marijuana less than 20 grams and trespassing in an unoccupied structure.

He reportedly told police investigators he "messed up tonight," but when asked who was with him, he allegedly said, "I'm the one got caught, I have to deal with it," the report stated.

He's not cooperating according to Police Chief Matt Doughney, who said his detectives continued their search for the other suspect, but now ask for the public's help.

"As long as this guy stays out there, the chances of him doing it to your mother, grandmother or sister remains high," Doughney said Friday. "He needs to answer for his involvement in this whole thing."

For the victim, life continues in the doughnut business, a venture which she is hoping to soon retire from after more than six years.

"The business is slow and doesn't make a lot of money," she said.

Anyone who may have knowledge about this crime can contact the department at (863) 453-6622, then press 2 or 3 to connect with Chief Doughney or Cmdr. Mike Rowan. Your call can remain confidential.

Also, anyone wishing to remain anonymous and be eligible for a possible reward can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com .

Use its anonymous hotline or leave your information regarding crimes occurring via this Web site.Your information will be forwarded to law enforcement for follow up. If an arrest is made, you are eligible for a cash reward.

Reporter Joe Seelig contributed to this report. Highlands Today reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at 863-386-5838 or contact Joe Seelig at 863-386-5834 or jseelig@highlandstoday.com .

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