DAVENPORT, Fla. — On New Year’s Eve, Polk County deputies arrested two men, Christian Ayala and Najee Mears, in connection with a Christmas Day armed robbery at a Davenport 7-Eleven. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the victim, who was staying at an Airbnb in Davenport, had gone to the store around 5 p.m. on Christmas Day to clean a coffee spill from his car.
While the victim was inside the store, Ayala and Mears drove into the parking lot in Ayala’s gray Honda Accord, parked in front of his car, and confronted him when he returned. Mears allegedly pointed a gun at the victim and threatened him, demanding he hand over his belongings. The victim complied, giving up his backpack, which contained cash, credit cards, and other personal items.
Deputies were able to track down the suspects after the victim provided a detailed description and surveillance video was reviewed. On New Year’s Eve, detectives located Ayala and Mears at a home in Davenport, where they both confessed to the crime. During a search of their rooms, the victim’s backpack and belongings were found, as well as marijuana and a handgun.
Ayala was on probation for marijuana possession at the time of the robbery, and Mears had an outstanding warrant along with a criminal history involving firearms and theft. Both men face several charges, including armed robbery, and are currently behind bars.
