The Thomasville Walmart crime scene. |
17-year-old Johnathan Brown shot and robbed a man, Mark Sbarra, multiple times in the parking lot of a Thomasville, Florida Walmart, then stole a van. While fleeing, he crashed the van. Brown was wanted on a number of other crimes, including another shooting. He was captured and confessed to the crime.
From an article and news video:
Thomasville police say 17-year-old Johnathan Brown has confessed to shooting and robbing Mark Sbarra outside of the Wal-Mart in Thomasville on April 2nd.
"The Thomasville Police Department assisted the Thomas County Sheriff's Office in reference to a suspicious person who had possibly stolen a van. The sheriff's office attempted to make a traffic stop on the suspect," said Lt. Eric Hampton of the Thomasville Police Department.
That's when police say Brown wrecked the stolen van. He then attempted to get away on foot on 19 South, but was caught near the train tracks early Monday morning.
"While in custody and during the questioning and interrogation, Mr. Brown has confessed to several crimes," said Hampton.
Police say Brown was wanted not only for the armed robbery at the Wal-Mart in Thomaville, but also for a rash of other crimes throughout Thomas County including another shooting.
Thomasville Police and the Thomas County Sheriff's Office confirm that late last month, Brown was connected to a robbery at Georgia Car Credit. Police say he also confessed to an attempted robbery and shooting at a Publix and the armed robbery at the Walmart in Thomasville. Deputies say he also stole two vehicles during the crime spree.
"We really didn't realize he was as young as he was when we started to pursue him, but it was sort of a surprise," said Hampton.
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Police say Mark Sbarra is being identified as the man who was sweeping up the Wal-Mart parking lot at around 2 a.m. Monday morning. According to police, Sbarra was shot in the back and struck while on the ground before being robbed of his wallet by an unkown assailant. He is still in the hospital and is expected to be ok.
Walmart. Save money. Die faster.