Police arrest man in connection with robbery near Shands

October 17, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Police Department and the Gainesville Police Department conducted a joint investigation and arrested a Gainesville man on Monday in connection with a robbery by sudden snatching on the University of Florida campus.

Charged with robbery by sudden snatching and obstructing/intimidating a victim was Devonn A. Sowell, 22, of 2006 NW 55th Ave, Apt. J5 Gainesville. Sowell was taken to the Alachua County Jail.

At about 7:07 a.m. Monday, the UFPD was called to assist an individual who was leaving her place of work at Shands at UF medical center when she was approached and confronted/threatened by her ex-boyfriend while approaching her car in Garage No. 10, police report.

The victim told officers she was fearful for her safety and attempted to dial 911. As she was dialing, the ex-boyfriend grabbed the phone from her, left the area, and headed off campus into the City of Gainesville. At that point, both the UFPD and the Gainesville Police Department established a perimeter in the general area of where the suspect fled.

The search continued for the suspect for the next couple of hours until investigative efforts by both agencies led to his location and subsequent arrest.