Felon arrested after armed robbery of Floral City liquor store driving stolen vehicle

Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)

Floral City, Florida - On the afternoon of May 29, 2025, Citrus County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived at the Liquor Plus store, located at 8290 S. Florida Ave. (U.S. Highway 41) in Floral City, due to a reported robbery in progress.

According to initial information, a masked man had entered the store wearing a hoodie and face covering, brandishing a weapon, demanding money and cigarettes. After robbing the store, the suspect - later identified as 33 year-old Trevor Shane Kilpatrick - fled the store and ran across U.S. Highway 41 into a nearby wooded area.

Just minutes later, K-9 Deputy Elias, who was on patrol nearby, observed a vehicle that had been reported stolen, earlier in the week. When deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed, with deputies in pursuit. Suspect Kilpatrick, who was later identified as the driver of the vehicle, eventually lost control of the vehicle on E. Trails End Road, and the vehicle left the roadway. Kilpatrick exited the vehicle, the fled into the woods on foot. Deputy Elias caught up to Kilpatrick, who physically resisted him, and the deputy deployed his agency-issued taser (electronic stun weapon) which enabled him to take Kilpatrick into custody.

After Kilpatrick's arrest, deputies found evidence inside the stolen vehicle that included the stolen money and cigarettes, along with clothing that matched the description of the liquor store robber's clothing, which confirmed that the two incidents were connected.

"Thanks to the swift, coordinated actions of our deputies, we were able to quickly locate and apprehend a dangerous five-time convicted felon," said Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent. "I'm incredibly proud of the determination shown by our team. Our citizens can rest easier tonight, knowing this threat has been removed from our community. We are stronger together."

Kilpatrick, who was already being investigated in a previous, unrelated burglary case, was arrested. He was charged with robbery with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, grand theft of a firearm, grand theft of a motor vehicle, grand theft, resisting a law enforcement officer with violence, fleeing and eluding, burglary of a dwelling, driving while license suspended or revoked, and petit theft. He is being held at the Citrus County Detention Center in Lecanto, Florida, with no bond.