- March 4, 2025
Three Bunnell teenagers were arrested by Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies Friday morning and charged in connection with the June 27 home invasion robbery of a disabled Espanola man.
Sean Giddens, 19, of 118 Espanola Road, and Ernest Watson, 17, and Justine Mickens, 17, both of
200 Knox Jones Ave., Bunnell, have been charged with felony counts of home invasion robbery and two counts of grand theft of a firearm.
Sheriff’s Office detectives are still working to identify a possible fourth subject in connection with the incident, according to a press release.
The victim, Richard Pettit, 60, told deputies that around 11:08 p.m., four males entered his unlocked home at 164 Espanola Road. One of the males, wearing a scarf to cover half his face and armed with a bat, pulled him out of his wheelchair and threw him to the ground. Pettit said he was hit on the head and arm with the bat as his assailant kept asking him, “Where’s the stuff?”
While Pettit was on the floor, one of the males kicked him in his side and stepped on his left foot, cutting one of his toes.
The four robbers took three shotguns as well as Pettit’s wallet containing cash and credit cards before fleeing the scene.
“The detectives have done an excellent job in pursuing all leads in this horrendous case of assault on a disabled individual. Mr. Pettit was in his home and suddenly he becomes a victim,” said Sheriff
Jim Manfre. “These are three dangerous teenagers. I urge anyone with information on the fourth subject to come forward as a community service for your fellow residents.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 586-4801 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS (2477).
You may remain anonymous and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.
