A suspect is in custody this morning after a tip to Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers alerted detectives with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office to his possible involvement. Shamar Dameon Blair (DOB 1/3/97) of Port Charlotte was arrested Friday evening after detectives located additional evidence linking him to the crimes. Blair is charged with multiple crimes for his involvement in the recent robberies to the Marathon and Circle K gas stations, as well as a robbery that occurred at the Peachland Publix on April 9th.
Detectives received information that Blair was involved in the gas station robberies and were able to quickly identify a blue Jeep Compass registered to Blair’s mother matched the vehicle driven by the suspect. The vehicle was observed in those robberies on a neighboring business’s surveillance camera and a witness provided a license plate number that partially matched the assigned tag.
At that time surveillance began on Blair’s residence to make contact for questioning. At approximately 1:55pm, a canine unit conducting unmarked surveillance located Shamar Blair and he provided a false name when asked to identify himself. This investigation was documented under a separate report, for which Blair was charged with False ID to LEO, Possession of Marijuana Less than 20 grams, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
During a search of Blair, a gold iPhone was located in his possession. The phone was observed to be disabled, which indicated that the device’s passcode was entered incorrectly too many times. The phone matched the description of a phone stolen during the Marathon gas station robbery. Blair was transported to a CCSO District Office for questioning.
During Blair’s questioning, the victim/owner of the phone positively identified the iPhone in Blair’s possession as belonging to him. Blair advised he located the phone on Beacon Drive, which he frequents due to its close proximity to his residence on Nugent. Also during this time, deputies on road patrol responded to a call regarding a firearm located on Beacon Drive. The firearm matched the gun observed in the surveillance videos of the gas station robberies.
A search warrant was executed on Blair’s home on Nugent Avenue. During the search a black pair of Puma sweatpants and a pair of Nike shoes were located. These items matched those worn by the suspect in the surveillance videos of the gas station robberies.
Additionally, the victim in the Peachland Publix robbery was able to positively identify Blair in a photo lineup.
Shamar Blair is charged with Robbery with a Firearm (2 counts), Grand Theft (2 Counts), and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon for his involvement in the robberies at the Marathon Gas Station and Peachland Publix. He faces additional charges from the Punta Gorda Police Department for his involvement in the Circle K robbery in their jurisdiction.
“This investigation and subsequent arrest is an example of our community working together with law enforcement to quickly remove a dangerous criminal from the streets,” states Sheriff Prummell. “Charlotte County remains a safe place to live, work, and play thanks to vigilant residents and the hardworking members of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.”
Due to the similarities of the crimes, Blair is also a person of interest in the robbery that occurred at the Kings Highway Pizza Hut on April 2nd. That incident is still under investigation.
Great job by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and every officer. I’m very proud of them all.