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Treasure Coast Newspapers

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY —  A search for a 14-year-old accused of firing a gun in an armed robbery ended shortly after three K-9 units training together nearby tracked down the boy at an apartment complex.

The boy was arrested close to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, one hour after a 17-year-old called 911 and told deputies he had been robbed, attacked and shot at while trying to sell marijuana in Pemberly Palms Apartments, 840 Fifth Ave, an Indian River County Sheriff’s Office official said.

Deputies found the youth “in the immediate area of the crime,” and questioned him, according to an arrest affidavit.

He was charged with armed robbery with a firearm and discharging a firearm in public.

The incident happened inside the 17-year-old’s red Toyota Corolla. A second unidentified boy acted with the 14-year-old and attacked the seller during the exchange, according to the affidavit.

Both fled after the gunfire and were found and questioned, but not initially arrested, said Maj. Eric Flowers, Sheriff’s Office spokesman.

Vero Beach and Sebastian police, along with canine unit deputies, searched the area surrounding the complex off Eighth Street and onto Indian River Boulevard.

“Wednesday, that’s our common day,” said Flowers. “The canines all train together.”

He said dogs from each department and agency played a part.

“Canines from other agencies all worked together,” he said. “They used three different dogs … to locate folks.”

The report stated the 14-year-old waived his Miranda rights and told deputies after they were read he accidentally fired the gun during the struggle with the 17-year-old over 14 grams of marijuana.

Detective Aaron Scranton wrote in the report the boy said he purchased the revolver for $100 the day before “for protection” during the drug deal, but told deputies he had not planned to rob the 17-year-old.

Both boys entered the rear of the red Toyota Corolla parked in a north facing lot in the complex around 1 p.m.

The report states that when the drugs and cash exchange began, they began attacking the seller and the 14-year-old pulled the weapon when he resisted.

He said after he pushed the gun away from his face, the shot was fired into the passenger compartment of the car.

No injuries were reported.

Flowers said the teen was taken to the Department of Youth Services in Fort Pierce, which determines whether to detain juveniles based on any prior criminal records.

He said it was up to the State Attorney’s Office to determine if charges for the other two boys, the seller and the unidentified second assailant, would arise.

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Help the community. If you see a crime being committed, leave anonymous tips on Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers hotline, web site or smart phone app. 2019 GINNY BEAGAN/TCPALM

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Corey Arwood is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Corey on Twitter @coreyarwood, or reach him by phone at 772-978-2246.

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Read or Share this story: https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/crime/indian-river-county/2020/03/26/teen-arrested-one-hour-after-17-year-old-called-911-and-told-deputies-he-robbed-attacked-and-shot-wh/2915275001/