Two Suspects Arrested in Multi-Jurisdictional Armed Robberies

May 11, 2023

On April 28, deputies with the Leon County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) responded to the 101 Smoke Shop, located at 8167 Woodville Highway, for an armed robbery where two suspects fled the scene. Later that night, officers with the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) responded to the Market Liquors, located at 5032 Capital Circle SW, regarding an armed robbery where two suspects also fled the scene.

Following a thorough investigation, TPD and LCSO detectives identified the suspect vehicle as being the same in each armed robbery case, and on May 4, a traffic stop was conducted after officers with TPD's Violent Crimes Response Team observed the vehicle speeding. The driver, Antfernee Barkley, was taken into custody and a subsequent search of the vehicle yielded evidence consistent with the armed robberies at Market Liquors and 101 Smoke Shop.

As the investigation unfolded, detectives learned Barkley was also responsible for an armed robbery at Capital Liquors, located at 2811 Capital Circle NE, on March 13, as well as an armed robbery in Gadsden County at C & T Variety Store, located at 1596 Florida Georgia Highway, on April 6. Additionally, a second suspect, Markell Kelly, was determined to be involved in these cases and a warrant for his arrest was obtained by LCSO. On May 9, Kelly was taken into custody at a residence in Gadsden County by members of TPD's Career Criminal Unit and the United States Marshals Service.

Due to the collaborative efforts between TPD, LCSO, and the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office (GCSO), probable cause was found to charge both Barkley and Kelly with numerous counts of armed robbery with a firearm in each case. These arrests are a testament to law enforcement agencies across multiple jurisdictions working quickly and collaboratively to bring justice to victims and to keep the public safe.

Arrested:

Antfernee Barkley, 21, for six counts of robbery with a firearm, carrying a concealed firearm, and possession of a cannabis with intent to sell.

Markell Kelly, 23, for four counts of robbery with a firearm.