Three arrested in Friday morning armed robbery in downtown Sarasota

Although three arrests have been made, the Sarasota Police Department continues to investigate an armed robbery that occurred early Friday morning near the 1500 block of Main Street.

A 19-year-old Sarasota man told officers that shortly after midnight he was punched in the face by a man armed with a gun. The victim said the man demanded money, stole his phone and fled the scene.

Officers located and arrested the following suspects:

• Bryan Lopez, 27, Sarasota, charged with armed robbery with a firearm.
• Alexis Saavedra, 23, Sarasota, charged with armed robbery with a firearm.
• Ayleen De La Cruz, 23, Sarasota, charged with three counts of armed robbery with a firearm.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call SPD’s Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or online at SarasotaCrimeStoppers.com.