Detectives Arrest 2 in DeLand Shots-Fired Incident; No Injuries Reported

Date Added: April 12, 2019 1:16 pm

Laura Williams, Office of
Public Affairs & Media Relations

                                        VCSO DETECTIVES ARREST 2 DELAND MEN IN SHOTS-FIRED INCIDENT
                                  Both charged with attempted murder; ‘victim’ unhurt, claimed he didn’t return fire

A Tuesday night report of shots fired in DeLand – which appeared to be one-sided and the apparent target was uninjured -- has resulted in both parties being charged with attempted second-degree murder.

The shooting was reported just before 10 p.m. Tuesday in the 1200 block of South Delaware and South Thompson avenues.

Laquan Robenson, 25, of DeLand told deputies he had been hanging out with his cousin and two other males when Robenson and Timothy Cooper, 24, also of DeLand got into a verbal altercation. Cooper soon left and returned shortly, walking in shadows near Delaware and Thompson avenues. 

Robenson told deputies he wanted to press charges. The two males were longtime friends until that night, Robenson said.

Volusia County sheriff’s Crime Scene detectives investigated the scene, gathering shell casings and searching for witnesses. Robenson again told detectives he did not return fire at Cooper in self-defense and evidence found at the scene confirmed his statement. During their follow-up investigation the next day, detectives sought a warrant for Cooper’s arrest in the incident.

That’s when the picture changed about what really happened Tuesday night.

Later Wednesday, two people came to the VCSO’s District 2 office in DeLand and presented additional information about the shooting, including video recorded of Robenson, which contradicted his version.

Deputies determined Robenson willfully provided false information to the investigators in a felony criminal investigation and is not licensed to carry a concealed firearm. Robenson was interviewed again and admitted to returning fire at Cooper after Cooper’s gun ran out of ammunition, contradicting his previous statements.

Robenson (DOB 11/05/1993) was arrested and transported to the Volusia County jail, charged with attempted second-degree murder with a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon/firearm, knowingly giving false information to a law enforcement officer and destroying/tampering with/fabricating physical evidence. He remains in custody on no bail allowed.

Cooper (DOB 5/22/1994) was arrested on a warrant Wednesday for attempted second-degree murder and transported to the jail on $25,000 bail. He has since posted bail and been released.