May 29, 2008
Brandon Haught
Public Information Office

SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATES ARMED ATTACK NEAR DELAND 

Three men robbed a pair of brothers in their home near DeLand early Thursday morning. At least one suspect was armed with a handgun, but no shots were fired. Both men were struck on their heads once each, but didn’t sustain injuries requiring any medical attention. The suspects had demanded cash and then fled with an undisclosed amount handed over by one of the brothers. The Sheriff’s Office is hoping that a reward of up to $12,000 will prompt anyone with knowledge about this or any other Volusia County home invasion to come forward. 

The robbery happened at 375 Circle Drive at approximately 3:47 a.m. Jose Chavez, 26, and Sol Chavez, 27, were asleep on couches in the living room when they were awakened by two Hispanic men and one black man who had barged into the room. It’s not known how the three got inside the house. The suspects demanded cash, and one brother gave them what he had. Jose was then hit with a closed fist while his brother was pistol-whipped once. A few minutes later the suspects ran outside, and one of the victims ran out after them in time to see them get into a white SUV and drive away southbound on Highway 11. 

The victims weren’t able to provide descriptions other than the suspects wore white shirts and had their faces covered. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact investigator David McNamara at (386) 943-7866 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida, toll-free, at 1-888-277-TIPS.  Callers to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $1,000. 

Additionally, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office has posted a $10,000 reward for tipsters who help authorities solve any home invasion in the county, and the New Smyrna Beach Police Department pledged an additional $1,000. In order to qualify for the reward money, persons with information regarding any unsolved home invasion must call the Crime Stoppers’ toll-free tip line. If the tip leads to an arrest, the caller will be eligible for an initial reward through Crime Stoppers of up to $1,000. If the arrest results in a conviction, the caller will be eligible for up to $11,000 more in reward money.