Florida

2 Florida Men Arrested After Allegedly Plotting to Attack Police

An informant's tip led to the arrest of two central Florida men who authorities said were planning an attack on a police department.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office reported Monday that the informant advised them last week that 32-year-old Christopher Conger and 29-year-old Jeremy Robertson were possibly plotting to use a grenade launcher and missiles against Eustis Police Department because of recent run-ins with officers.

Authorities served a search warrant on a shed where the weapons were allegedly located and found 22 firearms, several containers of black powder, bullet proof vests, drugs and drug paraphernalia. No rocket launcher or missiles were found, but both men were charged early Saturday on various drug and weapons charges.

Both men remain in Marion County jail on more than $20,000 bond apiece. Neither has yet to obtain an attorney. Cobb added his department didn't have clues of why it would be targeted.

"It's just an example that we're living in somewhat of a dangerous world," Eustis Police Chief Fred Cobb said. "It's a reminder to elected officials and the people we serve that a tragic incident can happen anywhere."

Cobb said he originally learned of the threat from the Lake County Sheriff's Office and was also advised of a third possible suspect, who he said Eustis officials were familiar with.

Despite the informant's assertion that the alleged attack plot might be related to "run-ins" with Eustis police, Cobb said the only recent contact his department had with Conger was serving him with a probation violation in June 2004. Cobb said that arrest "occurred without incident."

He said Eustis Police's most recent interaction with Robertson was in March when they were notified that he was possibly in area and in possession of drugs or firearms. But that didn't lead to any arrest.

Cobb said Robertson was also was a victim in a domestic violence incident that occurred in 2013.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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