Man accused in violent robbery of teen at Lee County Starbucks

Reporter: Breana Ross Writer: Derrick Shaw
Published: Updated:
Dustin Daniel Phennicie (Credit: LCSO booking photo)

A man is accused of violently robbing a teenager at a Starbucks in Lee County.

The sheriff’s office said Dustin Daniel Phennicie, 41, held the 16-year-old cashier at knifepoint, even putting her in a chokehold before leaving with an undisclosed amount of cash.

It happened Wednesday night at the Starbucks at 9011 Daniels Pkwy., just west of I-75.

Trinity Hernandez works next door at Rosati’s Pizza, three doors down from Starbucks.

“The whole store closed down and there were like probably like five or six squad cars out there and there was one parked in the back too and then we saw the dog walking around,” Hernandez said.

She saw the chaos but didn’t know the details.

“Could have been us, so it’s scary,” Hernandez said. “We have had somebody come in here and steal our tips before. I’m sure if somebody was out here, something could have happened to them.”

John Halbert who also works nearby is on high alert.

“It did surprise me being so close to where I’m working right now,” Halbert said. “I’m definitely going to be much more aware of my surroundings and be much more observant than I have been recently.”

Deputies said they found Phennicie across the street at the Best Western hotel.

He remains in the Lee County Jail on a charge of robbery with a weapon. A bond amount has not been set.

“We’re grateful that all of our partners (employees) and customers are safe, and for the quick response of local authorities in apprehending the suspect,” a Starbucks spokesperson said.

Hernandez agrees.

“I’m just glad that it was taken care of and we’re a little bit safer now because it’s scary that it was right there,” she said.

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