Drug Dealers Robbed, Shot At Undercover Detectives: Manatee Sheriff

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Two drug dealers were arrested on multiple charges after robbing an undercover detective and shooting at another deputy on Sept. 25, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office news release.

The undercover detective had just completed a drug buy with the two men inside their SUV when they pointed guns at him and demanded he hand over his wallet.

Without blowing his cover, the detective gave them the remaining cash he had for drugs and tried to get out of the car, but the drug dealers locked the rear doors, keeping him from getting out, the sheriff’s office said. After a few moments, they unlocked the doors, and the undercover detective got away safely.

The men, Jacob Harris, 24, and Jeremiah Burks, 23, drove off in a silver 2016 Nissan Rogue northbound on 1st Street East, then eastbound on 30th Avenue East.

Other undercover detectives flooded the area and caught the suspects after they crashed their car in a ditch at 19th Street East and 36th Avenue East.

Both suspects ran into the yard of a home in the 3600 block of 19th Street E. when Burks turned and fired multiple gunshots at another undercover detective as she pulled her unmarked vehicle into a driveway. No one was hit by the gunfire.

Seconds later, Harris and Burks were chased down by other deputies and arrested. They were both in possession of loaded handguns and an unlawful amount of marijuana.

Harris was charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, sale of controlled substance, conspiracy to sale of controlled substance, possession of a conveyance for the sale of controlled substances, possession of marijuana and fleeing to elude.

Burks was charged with attempted felony murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, conspiracy to sale of controlled substances and resisting arrest.