May 22--TAMPA -- An outpouring of tips has helped police make three arrests in the May 13 beating of a MacDill Air Force Base soldier.
The brutal attack has captured the public's attention as few crimes do -- maybe because the victim is a soldier, maybe because a surveillance camera recorded the incident, or simply because the beating was so severe.
The latest arrest came late Sunday night. Jared J. Richardson, 18, of 868 Bayou View Drive, Brandon, was arrested on charges of aggravated battery, robbery and possession of marijuana. Officers also seized Richardson's gold 2002 Chevrolet Impala, which police say was used in the beating.
Robinson High School student Geroshe Lewis, 18, and Lerome Howard, 18, were arrested Friday on charges of aggravated battery and robbery in the attack on Army Sgt. Johnny Aparicio.
A fourth suspect remains at large, and Tampa police delivered a stern warning to him Monday.
"We're coming for you," Tampa police Lt. Mary O'Connor said.
O'Connor said she wouldn't rest until that fourth arrest is made and urged the suspect to turn himself in.
Four men were captured on surveillance video attacking Aparicio in what police called a "vicious" beating. In response, several donors kicked in more than $16,000 for information that helps police identify the suspects.
The reward money and chatter at Robinson High School, which Lewis attended, has brought police dozens of tips.
"It's not common for that type of response," O'Connor said.
Tampa attorney Bill Winters donated $10,000 of his own money after being shocked by the violence on the video.
"It just doesn't make sense that in his own country he's going to get attacked on a city street," Winters said.
Winters kept telling people about the video, but everyone he told had already heard about it or seen it.
Since he offered the reward, people have been calling Winters' office to offer more money. Tipsters also called, including Robinson students.
After hearing Lewis brag about the attack, students talked to school administrators, Robinson Principal Johnny Bush said.
A school resource officer got involved; police were notified, and Lewis was arrested at school.
"That's what we need to have happen here," Bush said.
Videos of attacks often motivate the public to help catch suspects, said Joe Pollini, who teaches police science and criminal justice at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City.
"It brings it to life," said Pollini, a former lieutenant commander with the New York City Police Department. "People pretty much say, 'That could've been me out there,' and they do everything they can to help."
The shocking nature of the attack may also be part of what has motivated people to get involved.
"It blows my mind," said Rachel Sawyer, Aparicio's neighbor. "What's this world coming to?
"I mean ... it's not like they hit him a couple times and then ran off. ... They were beating the crap out of this man."
Aparicio, who is stationed with U.S. Central Command at MacDill, recently moved to the area.
He was walking on Iowa Avenue, just east of West Shore Boulevard, after his car broke down about 3:30 a.m., when a group of men approached, police said.
The men asked Aparicio for a dollar.
"He was reaching in his wallet to give them a dollar, and that's when they attacked him," O'Connor said.
The men took his cellphone and wallet and ran down Renellie Drive, police said.
Aparicio suffered a broken nose, and his tooth was knocked out, a police report states.
"It seems that the victim was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the guys just came upon him," O'Connor said.
Police have not found Aparicio's phone or wallet but may have recovered some of his clothing, she said.
Aparicio was appreciative after being told of the arrests, O'Connor said.
"I think he'll feel much better once all four are in jail," she said.
Richardson is being held on $15,500 bail. Howard was released Saturday after posting $15,000 bail.
Lewis is being held on $50,000 bail, but the State Attorney's Office asked a judge Sunday to hold him indefinitely without bail.
A Monday court hearing on the matter was rescheduled until today.
Copyright 2012 - Tampa Tribune, Fla.
