Between August 19 and August 31, 2025, investigators from the Lake City Police Department and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office collaborated to solve a series of violent home invasion robberies targeting various Lake City residences.
The first incident happened on Tuesday, August 19, about 1:59 a.m., when two masked men wearing black clothing and gloves pushed their way into an apartment at 1283 SW Zesty Circle, saying, “Sheriff’s Office.” Both suspects were armed with firearms and demanded money before escaping with the cash and an iPhone 14.
Nine days later, on Thursday, August 28, around 12:01 a.m., three masked suspects burst into an apartment at 3853 NW Huntsboro Street, chanting “Columbia County Sheriff’s Office” and wearing black. They held the residents at gunpoint and seized cash and another iPhone 14 before fleeing.
The third robbery took place on Sunday, August 31, at 9:54 p.m. in unincorporated Lake City. Deputies rushed to 134 SW Petunia Place, where four armed individuals entered the house, two wearing black, one in camouflage, and one wearing a gray hoodie. The suspects, armed with handguns and extended magazines, raided the house and stole jewels, watches, cologne, and clothing before leaving on foot.
Detectives rapidly identified significant parallels between the three robberies, including the suspects’ employment of dark clothing and masks, impersonation of law enforcement officers, and specific payment demands.
After conducting a combined investigation, officers located and apprehended three suspects:
- Trever A. Strawder, 26, of Fort White, FL
- Ja’Kyris Ahmaud Martin, 20, of Summerfield, FL
- Ajahnnie Leilani Ward, 27, of Lake City, FL
All three were taken into prison without incident.
“These arrests reflect the outstanding teamwork between the Lake City Police Department and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office,” said Chief of Police Garald Butler. “Through coordinated investigative work, multiple violent offenders have been removed from our community. We will continue to pursue justice for the victims affected by these crimes.”
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