17-year-old charged in Tropical Smoothie Cafe shooting

FORT PIERCE — A teen has been arrested in connection with a Sunday non-fatal shooting at a Tropical Smoothie Cafe that appeared to follow a customer service dispute, according to Fort Pierce police Tuesday.

Antonio Brown, 17, whose city of residence was not listed, was arrested after being linked to the incident. Police said a 39-year-old Miami man was shot in the face after  the man was complaining about the length of time it was taking for his order. 

The shooting happened about 3:20 p.m. Sunday at the Tropical Smoothie Cafe in the 5200 block of Okeechobee Road. The location is east of South Jenkins Road. 

More: Police: Man shot after complaining about service at Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Fort Pierce

According to police, the man ordered a sandwich that had been discontinued on the menu, and as the staff was scrambling to appease the customer, he continued to rant about service.

"The gunman, wearing a black hoodie, black shorts and a black mask coincidentally appeared in the shop and confronted the agitated customer, shooting him in the face,” Fort Pierce police said Tuesday. 

Officials at the Tropical Smoothie store declined comment.

Police stated the charge was first-degree attempted premeditated murder. The man who was shot was upgraded to good condition at a hospital Monday, police said.

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The police incident report was not available Tuesday, nor was Brown’s arrest affidavit and photo. 

“Detectives vigorously worked the case and late Monday evening developed information that identified Antonio Brown as the suspect,” police stated. “Brown was located late Monday night and taken to police headquarters after 11 p.m. where he was interviewed.”

Brown then was taken to the St. Lucie Regional Juvenile Detention Center.  

While customarily not naming juveniles accused of crimes, TCPalm.com and Treasure Coast Newspapers does name some juveniles depending on the seriousness of the crime, their age, aggravating circumstances and other factors.

Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. He also covers strange, wild and weird Treasure Coast crimes in “Off The Beat.” Follow Will on Twitter @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-692-8936. E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com

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