Another bizarre entry has landed in the ever-growing “Florida man” file.
WCJB reports that police in North Florida say a 24-year-old man was taken into custody after allegedly robbing a neighborhood meat market while completely naked—aside from a mask covering his face.
Authorities identified the suspect as Kobe Watkins, who was arrested following the late-night incident in Lake City.
According to investigators, officers with the Lake City Police Department were called to BJ’s Meat Market on Northwest Main Boulevard just before 9 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, after reports of a robbery in progress.
By the time police arrived, the suspect had already fled.
Security footage and employee statements later painted an unusual picture. Police say Watkins entered the store fully unclothed except for a face covering.
Employees told officers that he had a piece of fabric wrapped around an object in his hand, which led them to believe he may have been armed.
Investigators say Watkins broke into a cash box and made off with more than $1,000 before running from the scene. No one inside the store was injured.
Officers quickly set up a perimeter in the surrounding area and began searching nearby streets. With assistance from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, police located Watkins a short time later.
Along the suspected escape route, authorities also recovered clothing and other items believed to be connected to the robbery.
After being taken into custody, Watkins was transported to a hospital for a medical evaluation before being booked into the Columbia County Jail. Police say he now faces multiple charges, including armed robbery, exposure of sexual organs, grand theft, and criminal mischief.
In a statement released after the arrest, Gerald Butler, chief of the Lake City Police Department, emphasized the coordinated response.
“Incidents like this are unsettling, but our officers responded quickly, secured the scene, and worked with our partners to identify and arrest the suspect,” Butler said.
He also thanked the sheriff’s office and store employees for their cooperation, noting that their assistance helped bring the situation to a safe resolution.
Authorities have not released additional details about a possible motive. The investigation remains ongoing.