A Tale of Two Robberies: Suspect's Story Ends In Jail

Oct 05, 2017, 04:36 PM

(October 5, 2017) - A robbery suspect who committed two robberies in two different jurisdictions in one evening wound up in jail, charged with both crimes. 

On September 29, 2017 at approximately 11:55 p.m. officers responded to 12 NE Pine Island Road (7/11) in reference to a past occurred robbery. The store clerk stated that he had been approached by a white male wearing a hoodie who pointed a gun at him and demanded cash from the register. The suspect took a small amount of money and fled the scene. The clerk then locked himself inside the store and called police. An extensive search of the area was conducted, but the suspect could not be located. 

Approximately 2 hours later another robbery occurred at 14801 S. Tamiami Trail in Fort Myers at a Perkin's Restaurant. The suspect showed a gun to a waitress, who fled back into the kitchen. The suspect then attempted to steal a tip jar as onlooking patrons called police. The Lee County Sheriff's Office responded and placed the man, Robert Lambertson (DOB: 3-26-77) under arrest for the Perkin's robbery. Further investigation and interagency cooperation revealed Lambertson to have also been responsible for the 7/11 robbery in Cape Coral.

"We commend our brothers and sisters at the Lee County Sheriff's Office for their quick apprehension of this suspect, as well as the work of the Cape Coral Police Department's Major Crimes Unit in connecting this suspect to the crime within our city. Criminals should take note that regardless of where in Lee County you are, local law enforcement is working together to make sure our community is safe."  ~Cpl. Phil Mullen, Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Office