A 57-year-old Ocala man, Jose Francisco Rivera, was arrested nearly two months after allegedly robbing another man at knifepoint outside a local convenience store.
The incident took place on December 9, 2024, outside the Quick King convenience store at 6701 SW Highway 200 in Ocala. According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the victim reported that Rivera approached him near the ice cooler, demanding money. The victim became concerned when he noticed Rivera’s hands in his jacket pockets, suspecting he may be armed.
Rivera allegedly grabbed the victim’s arm while using his other hand to steal around $600 in cash from the victim’s pockets. The victim soon realized Rivera was holding a black knife, which he used to cut the victim’s hand before fleeing the scene. The victim ran into the store, where a clerk quickly called 911. Paramedics arrived and transported the victim to a hospital for treatment.
After an investigation, detectives tracked Rivera’s vehicle to a warehouse located at 2400 SW 5th Street. On February 3, deputies located Rivera sitting in his car at the warehouse. A search revealed a black pocket-style knife matching the description provided by the victim.
Rivera, with an extensive criminal history including several felony convictions in Florida, was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail. He faces charges of robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon and is being held without bond. A court date has not yet been set.
