Two men are under arrest after the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said they posed as law enforcement officers while robbing Hispanic victims in at least three strong-arm robberies. PBSO identified the suspects as Sean Armas and Billy Brewer. Investigators are now asking for more victims to come forward.
The first robbery happened near Cresthaven Boulevard and Military Trail, according to PBSO. The victim was riding an e-bike when the suspects pulled alongside him in a black truck. The men demanded a passport or other proof of U.S. citizenship. When he refused, believing they were not real officers, they grabbed his chain and drove off.
In a second robbery near South Military Trail and Summit Boulevard, one man got out of the truck, approached a woman and indicated he had a gun, investigators said. He took her gold necklace. A third robbery occurred in the 400 block of Roberts Way, where the suspects cut off a man on an electric scooter with their truck and took the scooter. Witnesses told investigators the men claimed to be law enforcement.
The truck was marked “STATE TRAPPER” and had Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stickers, at least during one encounter. Deputies used license plate reader cameras, guided by tips from victims and witnesses, to track the truck. They recovered some stolen property and took both men into custody.
The case comes as license plate reader cameras draw debate. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told WPTV he would not consider removing them, calling them legal and a useful investigative and crime prevention tool.
Anyone who believes they were victimized by Armas or Brewer, or who had an interaction with them, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.
