UPDATE: Spree Crime Robbery Suspect Receives 7+ Year Sentence for Crimes

(September 29, 2017) - A man arrested in 2016 on multiple charges including robbery, burglary and grand theft auto was sentenced today to 91.5 months (7.625 years) in prison for his crimes.

On October 15, 2016 officers responded to a robbery at the Winn-Dixie supermarket at 1016 Cape Coral Parkway East. The suspect (same suspect from a nearly identical robbery two days prior at the same location) pushed an elderly clerk and took approximately $300.00 and fled on foot. An off-duty Winn-Dixie manager attempted to stop the suspect, who then displayed a knife and threatened the manager. The suspect then fled southbound on Vincennes Court. K9 Units, detectives, Aviation and Forensics responded.

Brian Manoco Hernandez Vargas (DOB: 11-3-76) was eventually developed as a suspect and it was learned the Lee County Sheriff's Office was looking for the vehicle he was operating.

The unoccupied suspect vehicle was later located by officers and secured until LCSO arrived. While LCSO was recovering the vehicle and suspected stolen property, they informed CCPD units that the suspect had contacted their burglary victim so he could pay off the victim and have those charges dropped.

CCPD and LCSO units worked together to locate the suspect at Lowe's (1651 Pine Island Road) and arrested him without incident. Vargas was additionally charged with several counts of check forgery and knowingly driving on a suspended license.

Vargas' case culminated in the 7+ year prison sentence, which will be followed by 5 years of probation.