Bartow, Fla. (970 WFLA) - Two foreign echange students became American crime victims at Azalea Gardens, Bartow Police said.
The two, whom police did not name, had arranged to buy a cell phone on Facebook Messenger Marketplace. The seller agreed to meet them at the Gardens to complete the purchase, according to a news release from Bartow Police.
The seller turned out to be two armed robbers, who stole the victims' money at gunpoint, pistol whipped them and fired a shot at them, the release said. Detectives said identified one of the robbers as Jonathan L. Vaughn, 21, and have issued a warrant for his arrest on numerous charges.
Police have a photograph of the other suspect but have not identified him by name and hope someone will recognize him and call them with a tip. People with helpful information can submit tips through Heartland Crime Stoppers, stay anonymous, and become eligible for a reward up to $3,000. Reach Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS(8477) or HeartlandCrimeStoppers.com.
Photo of Bartow robbery suspect provided by Bartow Police.