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Highlands Today

'It's Not Me'

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By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: February 15, 2009

SEBRING - Alakhir Daniels saw some of himself when looking at a black and white video surveillance photo of a bank robbery suspect that ran in the Jan. 6 edition of Highlands Today.

"I said, 'Dang, this dude kind of looks like me,'" Daniels said.

The picture was apparently so uncanny that Daniels' wife even commented that the person could be her husband's twin.

Daniels, however, was concerned about being a suspect for a crime he said he had no part in and hoped investigators, "don't come fooling with me."

On Jan. 2, the downtown branch of Highlands Independent Bank was held up by a black male who said there was an explosive device inside the building and demanded money.

The suspect fled on foot across Center and Franklin streets. At the time of the incident, he was reportedly wearing black clothing, a bandana, a cap, sunglasses and gloves.

Once the photo of the suspect was published, many of Daniels' neighbors thought the same thing he did and called police, he said.

By 11 a.m., on Jan. 6, investigators with the Sebring Police Department were pulling into his driveway.

"When they pulled up, I just started laughing," Daniels said. "(I told them), 'Man, you won't believe what I had just told my wife. I said I hope you all don't come fooling with me."

Daniels gave police permission to search his home and agreed to go with them for questioning. He felt this was the best option, as he said he is presently on workman's compensation for an on-the-job injury and is serving two years house arrest for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

He said he wanted to cooperate for fear he may be found in violation of his home incarceration if he did not.

During questioning, Daniels said he looked at a color picture of the suspect and noted that the perpetrator is a dark-skinned black male while he is light-skinned.

Also, Daniels pointed out that he has no goatee and is clean shaven, while the suspect has a full beard. He also claims back surgery in 2003 would make it impossible to run away, let alone walk away, from any robbery.

"I walk with a cane," Daniels said. "It hurts when I breathe in."

As of Thursday, Daniels said no charges have been filed against him and he is still considered a suspect, although no longer the prime suspect. His last conversation with investigators was over a month ago.

Although questioned by police because of his resemblance to the suspect in the photograph, Daniels insists he had nothing to do with the Jan. 2 robbery.

Highlands County court records list no robbery charges against Daniels, although there is a listing for the charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon that was levied on Nov. 8, 2007.

The records indicate Daniels was sentenced on June 26, 2008 to community control followed by probation.

Assistant State Attorney David Ward added that community control is the same thing as house arrest.

As a religious man and Bible study leader, he said his being questioned has put a "blemish against my character" and made him and his wife and child the target of neighborhood harassment.

"That picture in the newspaper, (the police were) getting a lot of calls because I even said the guy looks like me," Daniels said. "This is the first time I get to tell people that it's not me."

SPD Commander Steve Carr said Friday the case is still on going but would not comment on the specifics of an open investigation.

Those with information about the case are asked to contact Sgt. Curtis Hart with the Sebring Police Department at 863-471-5107.

Residents can also call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.

Highlands Today reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at 863-386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com

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