Hawthorne, FL – A 46-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after an alleged armed robbery and drug trafficking investigation unfolded Friday evening in Alachua County.
According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded Friday to the 6800 block of NE U.S. Highway 301 following reports of an armed robbery. Investigators said the victim and a witness had traveled to a residence on SE 65th Lane to pick someone up when the suspect, identified as Norman Colon, allegedly exited aggressively, displayed a handgun, and demanded the victim’s vehicle.
Authorities allege Colon threatened to kill the victim if law enforcement was contacted and attempted to solicit another individual to batter the victim before allegedly pushing them to the ground and taking their car keys. Deputies say Colon was also seen removing the vehicle’s license plate and replacing it with another.
During the investigation, deputies determined Colon was a convicted felon with outstanding warrants out of Putnam County for narcotics violations and Pennsylvania for firearm violations. He had previously served time for aggravated assault and battery, officials said.
Law enforcement later located Colon sitting inside the victim’s vehicle at the original location, where he was taken into custody. A passenger, identified as 41-year-old Marie Strange, was also detained.
According to deputies, drug paraphernalia was observed in plain view, leading to a search of the vehicle. Investigators reported finding more than 15 grams of methamphetamine, over 15 grams of cocaine, Suboxone strips and pills, Percocet, additional paraphernalia, and a Glock handgun allegedly matching the victim’s description.
Both Colon and Strange face multiple charges. Colon’s charges include robbery with a firearm, trafficking in methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, among others. Strange was charged with drug possession and paraphernalia violations.
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