Knox Nursery security guard pistol whipped

A security guard was treated at a nearby hospital for cuts to the ear when he was pistol-whipped during an early-morning armed burglary at Knox Nursery in Winter Garden.

The Winter Garden Police Department responded to a call to 940 Avalon Road around 3:42 a.m. Saturday, May 6, when three unauthorized men entered the property. One of two security guards was completing his rounds and was approached at the front gate by the suspects, who were wearing masks and blue hoodies, according to the police report.

One suspect was armed with a black firearm and pointed it at the security guard, the report stated, and the guard was struck when he attempted to retrieve his firearm.

According to the report, a second security officer pulled his gun on one of the suspects after the suspect pulled his gun on the officer; the suspects then fled.

Police said after an extensive search one suspect, 34-year-old James Brenton, was found in a nearby lake. He was uncooperative with the investigation, police said.

Later on Sunday, police arrested a second suspect, Jamar West, 36, who was wearing the same hoodie as seen in the video surveillance. He was uncooperative as well.

Detectives have collected evidence and are trying to identify the remaining suspect. Anyone with information in reference to this incident is asked to contact Detective Sgt. David Clarke at (407) 656-3636 or contact CrimeLine at (800) 423-TIPS.