Venice police have arrested a third suspect in the September 23rd armed home invasion on Laurel Road East. Frankie Bartolo Mercado Jr., 43, of Cape Coral, was taken into custody Tuesday. Detectives allege Mercado planned the targeted robbery, provided information about the homeowner he knew through past business dealings, supplied equipment, and drove the other two suspects to the area.
The night of the invasion, police say Justin Anthony Mitchell and Brevaun Williams, both 34, forced their way into the home, restrained the homeowner, and demanded access to safes. When a family member came to help, one of the men fired a handgun in that person’s direction. The relative was not hit, and the suspects were later arrested with help from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. Mitchell and Williams pleaded not guilty Monday and requested jury trials.
Mercado faces charges including home invasion robbery with a weapon, kidnapping, armed burglary with battery, and aggravated assault. Venice Police Chief Andy Leisenring credited the officers and law enforcement partners involved in the case. All three suspects are now in custody as the case moves through the courts.
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