On July 22, 2023, at 11:44 pm, Lakeland officers were called to the Marathon gas station, 3071 Bartow Road, for a disturbance in which a female suspect, 38-year-old Tykia Melton, threatened the victim, a 33-year-old male, with a firearm. According to witness statements, Melton arrived at the location in a dark green Toyota Camry. She entered the business and then left. Melton returned to the site and approached the victim and another male, yelling and asking them for her cell phone. The victim told Melton he did not have her phone and emptied his pockets to show her. He then allowed her to use his phone to call her phone multiple times. Melton returned to her vehicle, retrieved a silver handgun, loaded it, cocked it, and began waiving it around. Melton then pointed the gun at the victim and demanded he give her his cell phone. The victim refused. At some point, Melton attempted to grab the victim’s phone. The victim once again refused, at which point Melton struck the victim on the neck with the gun. She then took the victim’s backpack from his bicycle and fled the scene.
An Officer spotted Melton driving in the area of East Edgewood Drive and New Jersey Road. After confirming criminal charges, officers attempted to stop Melton. She ignored efforts, and a short vehicle pursuit ensued. In an effort to stop the pursuit as soon as possible, officers utilized the PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique) maneuver. Melton stopped her vehicle after the PIT was attempted and was taken into custody without further protective action being used. Melton did not sustain any injuries. A .380 caliber handgun was located in the front driver’s side floorboard of the vehicle where Melton was sitting. The firearm was loaded with six rounds of ammunition which included one in the chamber. The victim’s backpack was also located in the vehicle. Melton had a small dog with her in the car, which was turned over to a friend at Melton’s request. Melton was charged with Robbery with a Firearm, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon without the Intent to Kill, Battery, Fleeing to Allude a Law Enforcement Officer, and Knowingly Driving with a Suspended/Revoked Driver’s License.
Our officers are frequently faced with armed encounters. The Lakeland Police Department is pleased with the quick response and safe tactics used by our officers to apprehend Melton.