A 24-year-old Florida man has been taken into custody after allegedly committing an armed robbery at a local meat market while completely naked, save for a face covering.
The Unusual Robbery Incident
Police in Lake City, Florida, responded to a call at BJ’s Meat Market shortly before 9 p.m. Eastern Time last Tuesday. According to a press release issued by the Lake City Police Department on Monday, employees reported that the suspect, later identified as Kobe Watkins, was "nude except for a covering over his face."
Watkins is accused of entering the store with a piece of cloth wrapped around what staff believed to be a weapon. Authorities state he proceeded to steal more than $1,000 from a cash register before fleeing the scene.
Swift Police Investigation and Arrest
Officers reviewed surveillance footage and conducted an immediate search of the area. During their investigation, they located clothing and other property believed to be connected to the crime.
This evidence led to the rapid identification and location of Watkins. He was subsequently arrested and charged with robbery with a weapon, exposure of sexual organs, grand theft, and criminal mischief.
Following a medical evaluation, the suspect was booked into the Columbia County Detention Centre. "Incidents like this are unsettling, but our officers responded quickly, secured the scene, and worked with our partners to identify and arrest the suspect," stated Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler.
Context and Resolution
Chief Butler also expressed gratitude for the assistance from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the cooperation of the business employees, which helped bring the situation to a safe conclusion. Fortunately, no one was injured during the alleged robbery.
This is not the first instance of bizarre public nudity leading to arrest in Florida recently. In a separate case in November, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd reported the arrest of 41-year-old Anthony Day, who was seen walking "buck-naked" in near-freezing temperatures.
Day reportedly told deputies he was participating in a TikTok challenge. He was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting an officer without violence, and exposure of sexual organs.
