Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives said they have arrested three teens in connection with the May shooting death of a 16-year-old in Lauderdale Lakes that stemmed from a botched robbery attempt.
Detectives say that Amari Dreakford was killed on May 20 when he, two other 16-year-olds and 18-year-old Clovenson Alexandre drove to 4031 NW 30th Terrace around 8:30 p.m. to rob a 15-year-old boy using a loaded gun.
However, their plans were foiled when a struggle ensued between the group and the 15-year-old’s friend, who is his same age. Shortly thereafter, the teen boy’s friend shot Dreakford, who detectives say was armed, multiple times.
Dreakford died later that night at Broward Health Medical Center, according to the sheriff’s office. The 15-year-old robbery victim was shot in the arm in the exchange of gunfire and also rushed to the hospital, according to a BSO report. He survived.
The sheriff’s office said Tuesday that its Violent Intervention Proactive Enforcement Response detectives arrested the two 16-year-olds, who have not been named, and Alexandre on armed robbery charges last week.
It was not immediately clear if the teens are still in custody. Alexandre, as of Wednesday, was being held in Broward County jail on a bond of $100,000.
Detectives say Alexandre drove the car to the location with Dreakford and the two 16-year-olds as passengers with the intention of robbing the other teen. He was lured there thinking they were going to sell him a handgun, according to the BSO report.
The sheriff’s office did not immediately respond to a follow-up question asking if the boy who shot Dreakford faces charges, but the agency said in a statement that “all suspects involved in the homicide have been identified and investigators are working with the Broward State Attorney’s Office for any potential prosecution.”
