Yulee internet cafe robbed by 4 suspects; security guard shoots 1

ORIGINAL STORY 12/9/2019 - The Nassau County Board of Commissioners said it plans to crack down on internet cafes.

The county said starting Tuesday, it will go around to every arcade to make sure there are no code violations and the businesses have permits to operate.

It comes after four people were arrested in connection with a robbery attempt at the Tracks Arcade in Yulee Sunday evening, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office said.

Around 8 p.m., an armed security guard told deputies that one masked man walked into the arcade and then held the door open for a second, then a third, masked gunman.

One of them ran toward her, holding a gun to her face and backing her into a break room.

She said once she was cornered, she feared for her life, pulled out her own gun and fired several times, according to the report.

One of the suspects was shot in the arm and his behind. The guard told police that all three jumped into a burgundy 2016 Chevy Malibu, where two women were waiting.

Deputies stopped the getaway car near Interstate 95 and State Road 200. Investigators say that two women inside lied at first, saying that they had been kidnapped.

Everyone was detained, including the injured alleged gunman, who was taken to UF Health. The following people were arrested:

• Josiah Taron Smith, age 20 from Jacksonville. Charged with robbery with a firearm, attempted murder.
• Lance Elijah White, age 20 from Jacksonville. Charged with robbery with a firearm, attempted murder, possession of a firearm by a career criminal.
• Damani Rashad Zvobgo, age 19 from Jacksonville. Charged with robbery with a firearm, attempted murder.
• Ebony Lashay Hixon, age 29 from Jacksonville. Charged with robbery with a firearm, attempted murder

Deputies said they found two stolen guns and a can of spray that’s used to keep bears away.

Investigators believe at least two of the men arrested could be connected to another internet cafe robbery that happened last week in Nassau County.

The other female passenger was not arrested because there was no indication she had any prior knowledge of the robbery, NCSO said.