Undercover Bradenton drug buy turns violent, sheriff’s office says. Two men arrested
.jpg "The Manatee County Sheriff’s office says they arrested Jacob Harris, 24, and Jeremiah Burks, 23, after the two men robbed an undercover detective during a drug deal.")
Two men are in jail after an undercover drug sting turned violent, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said.
Jacob Harris, 24, and Jeremiah Burks, 23, are charged with armed robbery and a list of other crimes after the sheriff’s office says they held an undercover detective at gunpoint and led deputies on a chase through Bradenton.
Burks is also charged with attempted murder after the sheriff’s office says he fired shots at a deputy during the chase.
Undercover drug operation goes wrong
On Sept. 25 at around 10 a.m., the sheriff’s office says an undercover detective was in the backseat of Harris and Burks’ SUV after buying drugs from the men.
Harris and Burks then allegedly pointed guns at the detective and demanded he hand over his wallet, deputies say. The sheriff’s office says the detective gave the men his remaining cash and tried to exit the vehicle, but the men locked the rear doors and prevented him from leaving. After a few moments, the men unlocked the doors and the detective got away, according to a news release.
The sheriff’s office said the two men drove off in the SUV. Additional undercover detectives pursued Harris and Burks before the men crashed their SUV in a ditch at 19th Street East and 36th Avenue East in Bradenton, according to the release.
Shots fired in Bradenton neighborhood, sheriff says
Detectives say the two men took off running through a backyard when Burks turned and fired multiple gunshots at another undercover detective as she pulled into a driveway.
No one was hit by gunfire and no injuries were reported, the sheriff’s office said.
Deputies caught up to Harris and Burks and placed the two under arrest.
Both men are facing a string of charges related to the incident.
Burks and Harris are both charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, possession of a firearm while committing a felony and conspiracy to sell a controlled substance.
Burks faces additional charges of attempted felony murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, conspiracy to sell a controlled substance and resisting arrest.
Harris faces additional charges of selling a controlled substance, using a vehicle to sell a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and fleeing to elude.
Both men remain in custody at Manatee County Jail, according to the sheriff’s office website.
This story was originally published October 2, 2024 at 12:23 PM.
