BB gun robber winds up in county jail

Public Information Officer Mark Samson reported to Historic City News that police were called at about 11:10 p.m. Friday night to the area of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine to investigate three complaints from citizens that say they were robbed by a man with a gun.

After obtaining a description of the assailant and other identification information from the victims and witnesses, Police Officer Alina Shirshikova, Officer Jennifer C. Doucet and Sgt. Jennifer Michaux combed the downtown area, searching south of Cathedral Place.

Police say 28 year-old Russell Edgar Mobley, who resides at 3905 US-1 South, led officers on a foot chase northbound across the Bank of America parking lot — in the direction of Treasury Street.

A few minutes later, Officer Doucet spotted Mobley hiding behind the ThompsonBaker Agency and ordered him to “stop”. According to the police report, Mobley attempted to escape — running west toward Cordova Street. He was knocked to the ground when he ran into the open door of the patrol vehicle that Sgt. Michaux was driving.

Mobley was ordered to stay on the ground by the officers. Again, police say Mobley got up and attempted to flee on foot. Officer Shirshikova deployed her Taser and was able to prevent Mobley’s escape.

Mobley was searched by officers at the scene and discovered to be in possession of a black plastic BB gun and property reported stolen from the three victims. Police returned the stolen property.

Mobley was checked at the scene and transported to Flagler Hospital for evaluation of a knee injury which he sustained during the incident.

Mobley was booked into the St. Johns County Detention Facility at 7:05 Saturday morning, August 20th, where he remains in custody, without bond, charged with 3 Counts of Robbery, 2 Counts of Battery, Aggravated Assault Using A Weapon, Resisting a Law Enforcement Officer and Possession of Unlabeled Perscription Drugs.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News archive photograph