LITHIA, Fla — Man arrested after strangling and robbing a jogger in Hillsborough County, according to deputies.
Hillsborough County deputies believe that Matthew Green Jr., 31, attempted to rob a 7-Eleven at 13411 Fishhawk Boulevard in Lithia at around 2 a.m. Green approached the store employee, said he had a gun, and demanded money from the register. The worker did not give him any money, and Green left the 7-Eleven.
A short time later, Green is suspected of strangling a person who was jogging until they were unconscious and stealing the victim's phone.
Detectives located Green in a residence off Juliano Drive in Riverview. Green entered the home through a window and was found hiding behind a washer and dryer.
"Thanks to the swift and diligent work of our dedicated detectives, this suspect's reckless actions were brought to a halt before he could inflict further harm to anyone else," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement.
Green has been arrested and charged with Robbery with a Firearm (Less than $750), Battery by Strangulation, Grand Theft Third Degree ($750 - $5,000), Violation of Parole, Probable Cause, Violation of Parole, Robbery Gun or Deadly Weapon x2, and Violation of Parole, Probable Cause, Violation of Parole Felon/Delinquent with Gun/Concealed Weapon/Ammo x2.
'Cruise lights' on Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office patrol cars raise questions, confusion among drivers
Every driver knows that when you see red and blue flashing lights on a patrol car, you slow down, pull over, or get out of the way.
But in Hillsborough County, drivers will also now see deputies with their lights on, but not flashing. They're called "cruise lights," and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) recently implemented their use on all patrol vehicles.
