Full Sail Students Targeted; 2 Arrested
Suspect Bragged About Robberies, Orange County Deputies Say
POSTED: Thursday, March 11, 2010
UPDATED: 8:08 am EST March 11, 2010
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Two men have been arrested in connection with at least 11 robberies or attempted robberies targeting Full Sail University students, according to Orange County deputies.
Danorris Balkcom, 25, was arrested Tuesday on a warrant for a November home invasion robbery at the Whisper Lake Apartments in which expensive home electronics equipment was taken. Ansel Bell, 21, was picked up March 3 on a warrant for the home invasion robbery.
Deputies said the men were caught after one of them bragged about the robberies.
Balkcom and Bell have only been charged with the Whisper Lakes home invasion, but investigators said they're suspected in numerous other crimes.
According to Orange County sheriff's deputies, the two men are among a group of possibly four who have been targeting Full Sail University students since November.
"I think (the arrests) are great. I'm sure some people can probably rest a little easier knowing there's a couple less people on the street that are going to steal your computer," said Full Sail student Nick Wood, who added that he stopped wearing Full Sail gear, such as a sweatshirt. "Sometimes you'll be out late at night and have to walk in the dark and that's a little intimidating knowing there's someone out there stealing computers."
But another Full Sail student disagreed.
"In all actuality, it doesn't make me feel better. People are still out here," Jahri Washington said.
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