FELLSMERE — A Fellsmere man has been arrested for armed robbery with a gun while wearing a mask, according to the Indian River Sheriff’s Office.
James Huggins, 43, was arrested in the 1000 block of Lincoln Street in Fellsmere, according to authorities.
The victim said she had just been robbed at gunpoint. She said she had been “chilling” in her vehicle on Grant Avenue while the person with her was catching his crackers (selling narcotics to crack heads).
The victim said the person she was with entered a crack house with an unknown “funny” black male, according to the Sheriff’s Office. She stated she had seen Huggins before when she was outside as the person she was with was “serving” crack heads.
She emphasized she would be able to identify Huggins because of his large cheek bones.
The investigation is ongoing into drug activity in the Fellsmere area, said Fellsmere Police Chief Keith Touchberry. He could not confirm the crack houses mentioned by the victim, perceived or actual.
After the victim received money from the person she was with to get her hair and nails done, Huggins approached her wearing a mask that was partially covering his face, leaving his cheeks and eyes visible, according to authorities.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Huggins then reportedly opened the driver side door and placed a pistol to her head and said “Give me that money hoe!” Huggins then reached down and took her money fleeing on foot.
Huggins faces a charge of armed robbery while wearing a mask and is being held at the Indian River County Jail with no bond.
Fellsmere Police have stepped up patrol in the area, as well as enacted a neighborhood watch and town hall meetings to discuss issues in the Fellsmere area, according to Touchberry.
Anyone with information regarding this case or drug activity in the area is encouraged to call the Fellsmere Police Department at (772) 571-1360. Tipsters can remain anonymous.