VERO BEACH — Two men were arrested on charges of armed robbery after authorities say they threatened the guy who gave them a ride and stole his wallet and cigarettes.
The Vero Beach Police Department arrested 49-year-old Andrew Ortiz, of Vero Beach, and Jason Pascoe, 28, of Fort Pierce, on Jan. 1, after the man who gave them a lift reported the mugging. The victim told authorities that when he dropped off Ortiz and Pascoe at a house on 16th Place, Pascoe pulled out a knife and threatened him with it. Ortiz then got out of the vehicle, the victim told investigators, and searched the victim’s pockets, taking his wallet containing $80 cash and credit cards, and a pack of cigarettes.
Once they had the wallet and smokes, Pascoe got out of the car and the kicked the front bumper, causing damage, the victim said.
After their arrest, Pascoe told authorities that he held the victim while Ortiz took his property, according to the arrest reports.
Along with the armed robbery charge, Pascoe also faces a charge of criminal mischief. He has been released from the county jail on $12,500 bond. Ortiz is still being held at the jail on $10,000 bond.
