An arrest was made Monday in connection to the string of robberies at Sterling Apartments, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Darrious Pettress, 22, was arrested by OCSO’s Robbery Unit and is being held on two charges of armed robbery, officials said.
Jane Watrel, Public Information Officer for OCSO, said the suspect, who is not a UCF student, is being brought in for questioning and will then be transported to the Booking and Release Center.
Watrel told Knight News that Pettress’ alleged girlfriend, who is a Valencia College student, lives in the complex.
Watrel said Pettress is denying the charges but has a criminal history in North Carolina and Tampa.
Watrel said the two victims of the robberies came in at different times to identify the suspect in a lineup in two separate rooms. She said both victims positively identified Pettress as the armed robber.
“They feel confident they have their guy,” Watrel said. “I hope this can bring some peace of mind back for students.”
Students who live at the complex said they feel better knowing someone has been arrested for the attacks. Sam Mazzia, a sophomore majoring in business management, said he feels safer walking around the complex.
“I think this will make people feel a lot better,” Mazzia said. “I’m sure a lot of people have been walking around on edge.”
Mazzia commended Sterling for helping catch the suspect and trying to make the complex safer. He said the complex sent out fliers to residents notifying them that Sterling would be offering self-defense classes to help keep residents alert and safe. Other residents aren’t so impressed with Sterling and still feel unsafe.
“I feel like they still need to step up security. I have seen a change in the amount of cops and the fact that the security guards have actually been doing their job, but they need to step it up,” John Nix, a junior majoring in finance, said. “I still don’t feel safe because it could happen again. It could happen tomorrow.”
The first armed robbery was on Oct. 1 in the morning. The victim reported to police that the armed male stole the victim’s personal affects and phone.
The second robbery took place on Oct. 13 nearing midnight. This victim reported that the armed male stole the victim’s phone.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates
