CLEWISTON -- On Dec. 1, 2021 at approximately 11 p.m.,  Clewiston Police Department officers responded to the Executive Royal Inn, room 120 and 124 (335 W. Sugarland Hwy) in reference to an armed robbery. Two victims, visiting from Kentucky, reported that two black males, one armed with what appeared to be an AR-15 style rifle, robbed them at gunpoint, taking several items including an IPhone and approximately $700 in cash. The suspects departed in a black SUV and the victims were unharmed.

One of the victims was able to access the “Find My IPhone” feature which lead to an address in the Harlem Gardens Apartment Complex. With the assistance of the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, officers located the suspect’s vehicle (a Ford Edge) at 601 Harlem Gardens. Officers observed, in plain sight, an AR-15 style rifle in the back seat.

Based on the victim’s description of the suspect, Cordell A. Washington, 34-years old, residing in the Harlem Gardens complex, was detained. It was later learned that he was released from prison in March for charges including armed robbery. A show-up was conducted with the victims and Cordell Washington was identified as the person who committed the robbery.

After executing a search warrant, the rifle was collected and determined to be a modified paintball gun.

Washington had been previously identified in a separate armed robbery that occurred days prior and more charges are forthcoming. He was arrested, transported to the Hendry County Jail and charged with home invasion, aggravated assault with the deadly weapon, false imprisonment, theft, and depriving a person of 911 communications. He was held without bond.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Williams at 863-983-1474.