DeFuniak Springs Police have concluded the investigation of the reported carjacking that occurred on Thursday, February 9th, 2012 on Railroad Avenue in DeFuniak Springs. Jacob Dillion Rhodes, white male, age 20, who resides in Niceville, was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault, Battery, and Criminal Mischief. A second suspect, a white male juvenile, was also arrested on similar charges. Both suspects were booked at the Walton County Department of Corrections. The juvenile was later transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice Detention Center.
The investigation led Police to conflicting stories over who brandished a weapon first and the motives in the incident. The victims, suspects, and independent witnesses were able to solidify the facts of the case. The investigation revealed the motive was to collect on a debt reportedly owed to one suspect by one of the victims for the sale of a vehicle. The facts also indicated that a "carjacking" did not take place.
The investigation was concluded with the arrests of the two perpetrators in this case. DeFuniak Springs Police wish to thank the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and Niceville Police Department for assisting in the investigation and apprehension of the suspects.