Target of drug-related burglary arrested

The man Flagler County detectives say was the intended target of three armed burglars Monday, when they invaded the home he shares with two roommates, was taken into custody yesterday on outstanding violation of probation and felony drug warrants, according to a report received by Historic City News.

Brian Jeff Epshteyn, who turns 26 years-old next month, shares a home with 24 year-old Daniel Floyd and another roommate at 25-A Brunswick Lane in Palm Coast.

Narcotics detectives say Floyd and the other roommate were held at gunpoint inside their home after three burglars kicked in their front door just after 10:00 a.m. Monday morning. Once inside the home, the burglars searched for drugs, cash, and Epshteyn, who detectives say was not home at the time.

One of the burglars identified by a sheriff’s office representative as 18 year-old Tre Quan Cobb, who resides on Louisiana Drive in Palm Coast, was shot once in the head by Floyd as he attempted to flee from the residence and reportedly pointed his own gun in Floyd’s direction. Cobb is in custody and receiving medical treatment for the injuries. He is expected to recover.

The two other burglars were identified as 20 year-old Antonio Hudson of New Smyrna Beach and 16 year-old David A. Pope, who resides at 16-A Brelyn Place in Palm Coast; the location of their arrests about 20 minutes after the incident on Monday.

Hudson is charged with armed burglary and aggravated assault. He is in custody at the Flagler County Inmate Facility. Pope is charged with armed burglary; but, because he is a juvenile, was transported to the Division of Youth Services in Daytona Beach.

The Sheriff’s Narcotics Enforcement Team has been conducting a lengthy investigation into Epshteyn’s alleged dealing in illegal drugs. The investigation culminated Tuesday with a warrant being issued for his arrest, charging him with the sale of marijuana.

Detectives say Epshteyn had been dealing in illegal drugs from the trunk of his Toyota. When deputies discovered more than $2,700 in cash, including money that had been used by the narcotics detectives to make a recent marijuana purchase, they confiscated both the cash and the vehicle.

Epshteyn remains in custody without bond on the violation of probation warrant. Bail was set at $25,000 on the felony drug warrant.

Epshteyn’s roommates are not being connected to his drug dealing operation, according to detectives.

“Innocent people were put at risk by this man who was concentrating on nothing else than selling drugs,” said Flagler County Sheriff Donald W. Fleming. “We are fortunate this investigation has resulted in this arrest.”