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Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Unit have arrested two teenagers in connection with a series of robberies that occurred over several days at the same address on Barbara Jenkins Street.
According to investigators, Kenneth Copeland (DOB 03/24/2009) and Frank Roberts (DOB 08/10/2007) were taken into custody following an investigation into multiple robbery incidents at 439 Barbara Jenkins Street. Both suspects face several felony charges, including robbery, robbery with a weapon, grand theft, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The investigation revealed a clear pattern. Detectives say the robberies began on January 24 and were followed by two more incidents on January 26. All of the reported crimes occurred at the same location.
Detective Hartzell identified Copeland early in the investigation as a person of interest, along with a second suspect who was later confirmed to be Roberts. As the case developed, detectives determined the suspects were using Facebook Marketplace to target victims by posing as buyers interested in purchasing iPhones.
Under that pretense, victims were lured to the Barbara Jenkins Street address. Once there, detectives say the suspects robbed the victims of their phones.
Further investigation uncovered video evidence capturing the suspects committing a fourth robbery. In that incident, the victim was threatened during the crime. Detectives worked closely with multiple victims, and one victim was able to positively identify one of the suspects through a photo lineup.
Less than 24 hours later, detectives, with assistance from the Special Investigations Unit, patrol officers, and on duty K-9 units, located and apprehended both suspects. At the time of their arrest, Copeland and Roberts were found in possession of stolen property linked to two of the robberies.
“Our detectives worked as a team, using every available resource, to ensure these suspects were safely taken into custody and to prevent further incidents,” said Lt. Bryan Stillwell of the Criminal Investigations Division. “The collaboration between our Investigations Division and Patrol highlights the professionalism and effectiveness of our agency in solving crimes and removing violent offenders from our neighborhoods.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are continuing to work with victims to determine whether additional incidents may be connected to the case.
