Marion County detectives arrest suspect in December convenience store armed robbery

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has arrested a suspect in connection with an armed robbery and stabbing that took place in December 2024.
What we know:
Jose Francisco Rivera, 57, was taken into custody on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, by a MCSO Major Crimes Detective. Rivera is accused of robbing and stabbing a man at the Quick King convenience store located at 6701 SW Highway 200 in Ocala.
Deputies responded to the scene on Dec. 9, 2024, where they found the victim with makeshift bandages around his hand.
The victim told deputies that he had been robbed and stabbed by a man who then fled the scene. The victim was transported by Marion County Fire Rescue to a local hospital for treatment.
A Marion County detective obtained a photograph of the suspect’s vehicle and began efforts to identify its owner.
Using various investigative techniques, detectives located the vehicle parked at a warehouse on the 2400 block of SW 5th Street.
When deputies approached the vehicle, they found Rivera sitting in the driver's seat.
Rivera matched the suspect’s description, and a search of the vehicle revealed a knife consistent with the one described by the victim. Rivera was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond.
What we don't know:
The investigation is ongoing, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with additional information to contact the office.
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The Source: The information in this article comes from the Marion County Sheriff's Office.