Davenport, FL - Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd of Polk County revealed that a pre-planned robbery using a fake gun ended fatally for the suspect on Tuesday night near a Davenport motel.
The incident transpired in the parking lot of the Tropicana Resort Motel on Hwy 27 just before midnight.
Authorities say the suspect, Christian MacDonald, contacted his drug dealer, Robert Rafael Cruceta Pimentel, to purchase marijuana.
Cruceta Pimentel agreed to the transaction and met MacDonald at the motel.
As the two were finalizing the deal inside a vehicle, a third individual, Harold Sepulveda-Cruz, unexpectedly entered the car from behind MacDonald.
Using a makeshift weapon resembling a gun crafted from a screwdriver and wood, Sepulveda-Cruz threatened MacDonald, demanding the marijuana and money.
In a defensive move, MacDonald retrieved a 9mm handgun from his pocket, firing multiple shots toward Sepulveda-Cruz, fatally injuring him.
Following the shooting, MacDonald and Cruceta Pimentel exited the vehicle, with the latter discarding the imitation gun and marijuana over a nearby motel fence.
MacDonald contacted 911 to report the robbery and the shooting.
Cruceta Pimentel faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder and felony murder, and remains in custody without bond.
While MacDonald initiated the drug transaction, Sheriff Judd indicated that he has not faced charges.
The case may fall under Florida's "stand your ground" law, given MacDonald's legal possession of the handgun under the state's Permitless Carry Law.