Florida Man arrested for failed Wendy's and bank robbery attempts on August 22
WEST MELBOURNE, FLORIDA: A recent incident involving a Florida man from Melbourne has garnered attention after he was arrested for his unsuccessful attempts at robbing a Wendy's and a bank on August 5, according to West Melbourne Police.
The individual in question, identified as Daniel Jeconiah Gibbs, 36, was taken into custody on Tuesday, August 22, for his involvement in the double attempted robbery that took place earlier in August.
Daniel Jeconiah Gibbs first failed to rob Wendy's
According to authorities, Daniel Jeconiah Gibbs initiated his spree by targeting a Wendy's located at 135 Palm Bay Road in West Melbourne. During the August 5 incident, the Florida man reportedly brandished what appeared to be a gun, intimidating a cashier.
However, Daniel Jeconiah Gibbs' plan fell apart as the worker, gripped by fear, froze in response. The Florida man then left the premises empty-handed which is when another employee approached the counter, effectively foiling his attempt.
Fugitive Daniel Jeconiah arrested
Undeterred, Daniel Jeconiah Gibbs proceeded to a bank in Palm Bay later that day, where the 36-year-old allegedly executed a second attempted robbery. The exact details of this incident were not disclosed by the police.
Surveillance footage showed Daniel Jeconiah Gibbs concealing his identity with a head covering and a medical mask. On Tuesday, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office fugitive unit located and apprehended the perpetrator, underscoring the collaborative efforts of law enforcement. The Palm Bay Police Department is also expected to levy further charges.
“Despite his attempt to conceal his identity by wearing a head covering and medical mask, West Melbourne Officers and Detectives have worked diligently to positively identify Gibbs,” read a news release statement according to Click Orlando.
At the time of his arrest, Daniel Jeconiah Gibbs was found in possession of a large knife. This knife is believed to have been concealed in the Florida man's waistband during the Wendy's robbery, potentially contributing to the confusion between a knife handle and a firearm.
“Given the victim’s fear at the time of the robbery, the knife handle could have easily been mistaken for a firearm,” the release added. Officers reported Daniel Jeconiah Gibbs cooperated with the ongoing investigation. Subsequently, the Florida man was transported to the Brevard County jail, where the 36-year-old is being held on a $20,000 bond.