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Apopka carjacker also a suspect in Eustis

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From the Apopka Police Department

Cedrick Gant was apparently on a carjacking spree in Central Florida on Monday morning.

The Apopka Police Department arrested Gant, 27 of Orlando, and charged him with Armed Carjacking, Robbery with a Firearm, Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling with an Assault therein, Tampering with a Witness – Hinder or Delay Report to Law Enforcement, Grand Theft 20K-100K (with a firearm), Fleeing and Eluding, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Burglary of a Conveyance (with a firearm), Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Resisting Arrest without Violence, Driving while License Suspended, and Petit Theft.

A pursuit followed between the Apopka Police Department and Gant. In the area of Roger Williams Road and Orange Blossom Trail, officers conducted a “PIT” maneuver (a technique to immobilize the suspect vehicle) which ended the vehicle pursuit.[/caption]

Cedrick Gant

Carjacking and Robbery with a Firearm have 10-year minimum/mandatory sentences. Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Burglary of a Conveyance with a Firearm have three-year mandatory minimum sentences.

But it doesn't stop there.

According to the APD, their investigation allowed the Eustis Police Department (EPD) to link Gant to a similar incident which occurred within their jurisdiction approximately one hour prior to the Armed Carjacking in Apopka.

The EPD was able to obtain a warrant for Gant today. Both agencies are working in conjunction for a successful prosecution of Gant.

According to the arrest report, Gant has a violent arrest record. His history includes Aggravated Stalking with a Credible Theft, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Home Invasion Robbery, Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Person, and multiple Violations of Injunction. Additionally, Gant currently has a court-ordered injunction against him which prohibits him from possessing firearms (in addition to being a convicted felon).

The gun Gant used in the carjacking was a Norinco SKS Assault Rifle.

On Monday at approximately 9:22 am, the APD received a 911 call regarding an armed car-jacking at the 2500 block of Sugar Sand Court. The victim advised that Gant approached her outside of her home while she was in her vehicle. Gant had a military green rifle with him, threatened her with it, and stole her grey Ford Escape. The victim fled into her home.

The victim called 911 and the information was broadcast across Apopka police radio channels. A school resource sergeant saw the vehicle drive by the area of Apopka High School and, with other officers, attempted a stop on the suspect, at which time he fled in the Escape.

According to the APD, the gun Gant used in the carjacking was a Norinco SKS Assault Rifle.

A pursuit followed and in the area of Roger Williams and Orange Blossom Trail, officers conducted a “PIT” maneuver (a technique to immobilize the suspect vehicle) which ended the vehicle pursuit. The suspect fled the vehicle into thick woods in the area and then into a nearby occupied home. The suspect’s rifle was left in the vehicle when he fled.

"He led us on a chase," said APD Chief Michael Mc Kinley. "He traveled in the wrong direction briefly on 441. We made sure we did not pursue him in that direction. We kept the community safe while at the same time apprehending him."

The occupants of the home fled the house upon his entry. A perimeter was established immediately by patrol and support officers to contain the suspect within the area. Apopka K-9 units, Orange County Sheriff’s Office K-9, as well as Orange County’s helicopter, responded to assist in the search. Suspect Gant fled the home after he changed his clothes and was subsequently located in a wooded area directly behind the residence he entered.

According to the Arrest Report, Gant was apprehended by the APD at 10:37 AM, only 75 minutes from the first 911 call.

McKinley praised the APD for a complete team effort in apprehending Gant quickly and effectively.

"Kudos to our dispatch unit," said APD Chief Michael McKinley. "After being notified of the crime, they put the vehicle description out. The Apopka High School (SRO) Officer left the high school to do an area check and saw the vehicle traveling southbound on Vick Road. Our control units had a very quick response as well as our tactical units, and our criminal investigation units," he said. "They secured the area, and with the help of the Orange County Sheriff's K-9 unit, and the APD K-9 unit, we were able to locate the individual, and apprehend him."

Apopka Police Department

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