Man charged with robbing 4 taxicabs in Bradenton

Derrick Williams

BRADENTON -- A 35-year-old man has been arrested in connection with four Bradenton taxi robberies, the Bradenton Police Department reports.

Officers had issued an arrest warrant for Derrick Lee Williams in June after they linked him to three armed robberies of taxi drivers that occurred in the area around the City Walk Apartments at 1900 Fifth St. W. and Sheridan Place Apartments at 302 26th Ave. W.

The victims in those cases gave descriptions matching Williams, and investigators were able to pick up Williams’ fingerprints on the third taxi.

Another taxi was robbed in the same area at about 3 a.m. Thursday, according to Capt. Warren Merriman III.

“While he was leaving the scene, his wallet, with an ID, fell out onto the roadway,” Merriman said.

An officer found the wallet and helped investigators tie him to this crime.

While in custody Williams confessed to the robberies and was cooperative with law enforcement during their investigation, according to Merriman.

“It’s great investigative work on Det. Nasario Camacho’s part,” Merriman said regarding the arrest. “The taxi cab drivers will be able to work with less fear now.”

Williams is in Manatee County jail.

Anyone with information about these cases can call the police department at (941) 932-9300, Detective Nasario Camacho at (941) 932-9312; or Crime Stoppers at (866) 634-TIPS.