Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested in Davenport – Caught Wearing Robbery Outfit and in Possession of Drugs

Photo courtesy of Polk County Sheriff's Office

Staff Reporter  | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published May 24th, 2025

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Davenport, FL – A 53-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery that occurred earlier this week at a local vape shop in Davenport, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO).

On Monday, May 12, 2025, around 6:03 PM, deputies responded to an armed robbery call at the Vape Up Café, located at 43418 US Highway 27. According to reports, a heavy-set white male, described as middle-aged, walked behind the sales counter and held a knife to the employee, demanding money.

The employee attempted to call 911, but the suspect took her phone. He then fled the scene with cash in a silver Toyota Corolla. While the employee suffered only a superficial scratch, the incident was classified as a violent felony robbery due to the presence of a deadly weapon.

Witnesses described the suspect as wearing a black Reebok hoodie, khaki shorts, and a beanie with an Amazon logo.

The Arrest:

On Wednesday, May 14, PCSO deputies located the suspect vehicle near Home Run Blvd. and US 27 in Davenport. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was identified as Edwin Soto, 53, of Davenport.

Deputies observed Soto wearing an Amazon-logo beanie matching the description given by the robbery victim. A small quantity of cocaine was also found in his possession.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for Soto’s residence, where they discovered the black Reebok hoodie and khaki shorts believed to have been worn during the robbery.

Soto was taken into custody and transported to the Polk County Jail. He is facing several felony charges, including:

• Robbery with a Deadly Weapon
• Armed Burglary with Assault
• Armed Kidnapping
• Tampering in a Felony Life Crime
• Possession of Cocaine

“Thanks to great teamwork and quick detective work, we got this armed and dangerous suspect off the streets,” said a spokesperson from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. “This could have ended much worse, and we’re grateful the employee wasn’t seriously hurt.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact PCSO.

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Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested in Davenport – Caught Wearing Robbery Outfit and in Possession of Drugs

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