Search continues for second home invasion robber

Monday morning, shortly before 2:30 a.m., Historic City News learned of a home invasion robbery at a residence in the 600 block of Francis Street in St Augustine when Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the scene.

The 24-year-old male and 20-year-old female victims said that when a knock came at the door, they recognized an acquaintance of theirs, 20-year-old Benjamin Leon White, who resides at 300 Whispering Circle Apartment 7 in St Augustine.

When the victim opened the door, White and a second unidentified male forced their way into the residence, according to the incident report. White allegedly brandished a handgun and demanded money. White’s accomplice reportedly punched the victim in the face and demanded to know where the money was kept.

The two intruders ransacked the residence and bound the two victims before fleeing with cash and numerous cellular telephones.

A US Marshal Service task force located White Wednesday afternoon at an apartment at 200 Whispering Circle and brought him to the Sheriff’s Office for questioning. A search warrant was served at that residence where detectives recovered a handgun believed to have been used in the home invasion robbery.

White remains in custody at the St Johns County Detention Facility, in lieu of $250,000 bond; and, the search continue for the second criminal.

Anyone with any information concerning this crime or who may know the identity of those involved is asked to contact the Robbery-Homicide Division at the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office. You can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward up to $1000 by calling CrimeStoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-(888) 277-TIPS.