Lakewood Ranch home invasion may have been drug related, cops say

One suspect has been arrested in connection to a home invasion in Lakewood Ranch, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Around 3:22 a.m. Sunday, eight people between the ages of 18 and 30 were hanging out at a house in the 13000 block of Glossy Ibis Place when four assailants armed with long guns barged in through an unlocked sliding door.

It wasn’t known what exactly what was taken during the robbery, according to the sheriff’s office, but 20-year-old Robert Baylis was arrested on scene. Three other suspects are at large.

When deputies arrived, there was a strong odor of burnt marijuana, according to the sheriff’s office. The crime appears to be drug-related.

One of the victims, a 21-year-old man, was treated for minor injuries. Another victim, 28-year-old Nicholas Layton, was arrested for an outstanding warrant from Sarasota County for failing to appear.

Baylis faces one charge of armed home invasion/robbery and is being held at the Manatee County jail without bond.

Anyone with information on the incident can contact the sheriff’s office at 941-747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-8477.

This story was originally published June 19, 2017 at 10:06 AM with the headline "Lakewood Ranch home invasion may have been drug related, cops say."