‘Armed and Dangerous’ Suspect Sought on Home Invasion Warrants

TAMPA, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is asking folks throughout the Tampa Bay area to keep their eyes open for a man deputies say has been connected to a November home invasion in Tampa.

According to the agency, A.J. Whaley, 22, and two other unidentified suspects forced entry into an apartment in the 6900 block of Society Drive around 10 p.m. Nov. 4. The apartment complex is located near King High School.

Each of the attackers, an email from the sheriff’s office said, was carrying a handgun. The four occupants of the apartment were forced to sit in the living room, at gunpoint, while the home was “ransacked,” the email said. Before leaving, the suspects took the victims’ cellphones and cash.

Deputies say Whaley was one of the people who entered the apartment that night. A warrant for his arrest has been issued on charges that include four counts of armed robbery, four counts of false imprisonment and armed burglary with aggravated battery.

“Whaley is armed and dangerous,” the email said. “Anyone making contact should use extreme caution.”

Anyone who knows of Whaley’s whereabouts is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 813-247-8200. Tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 800-873-TIPS.

No further information about the case or the other suspects has been released. Whaley has no known address.

Photo courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office