The Tampa Police Department responded to a carjacking that took place early Monday afternoon in the 2300 block of W. Hillsborough Avenue.
The suspect, later identified as 23-year-old black male Lavonn Daniels (1/17/2000), assaulted two women as they stood talking beside the driver’s side door of a 2020 dark blue Nissan Rogue. He struck the first victim, a white female in her early thirties, in the head with a large piece of concrete rock before shoving her to the ground. He then grabbed the second victim, a white female in her mid-forties, throwing her to the ground before taking the Nissan and fleeing the area.
The vehicle was last believed to be in the area of I275 near Bearss Ave. Local law enforcement agencies were immediately provided with the vehicle and suspect description.
The victims were transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for injuries including a possible concussion and an injured wrist.
At 1:50 pm, the stolen Nissan was located, unoccupied, at Bearss Ave. near Nebraska Ave.
Deputies with Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested Daniels after he committed additional crimes in their jurisdiction. For details in that case, please contact HCSO.
“Our thoughts are with the victims of this suspect this case, and we hope for their full recovery,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “The quick and efficient communication that exists between our law enforcement agencies ensured that everyone was aware of, and looking for, the suspect and worked to take a dangerous criminal off the street as quickly as possible.”
In a post-Miranda interview with investigators, Daniels admitted to the offense and identified himself in video surveillance from the scene. Daniels was charged with Armed Carjacking, Aggravated Battery with a Weapon causing Great Bodily Harm, and Grand Theft. He is currently being held in Orient Road Jail.