Robinson High Student is Charged in Soldier's Beating
Geroshe Lewis, 18, a senior at Robinson, was arrested Friday along with Lerome Howard, 18. Both are charged with robbery and aggravated assault after police say they were seen on camera attacking a U.S. serviceman in South Tampa.
One of the two suspects arrested Friday in connection with a violent attack on a U.S. serviceman is a Robinson High School student.
Geroshe Lewis, 18, of 4712 W. Wallcraft Ave., was arrested Thursday afternoon at Robinson as school ended for the day, Tampa Police reported. Also arrested Thursday was Lerome Howard, 18, of 8013 N. 13th St.
Both men are charged with robbery and aggravated battery after police say they were seen on camera attacking U.S. Army Sgt. Johnny Aparicio, 24, around 3:30 a.m. Sunday on Iowa Avenue in South Tampa.
Investigators are still looking for two other men also seen punching and kicking Aparacio on the video footage.
A reward totaling more than $16,000 has been posted by a law firm, a local church and two private citizens for information leading to arrests. Detectives said they have received dozens of tips throughout the week with potential suspect names, some of which helped lead to Friday's arrests.
"The same names were consistent in many of the calls," a Tampa Police spokesperson wrote in a news release.
It was not immediately clear how much reward money might be issued as a result of Friday's arrests.
Lewis is a senior at Robinson High and didn't belong to any clubs or play any sports, Hillsborough County School District spokesperson Steve Hegarty said. Lewis is not in the school yearbook.
"Based on the charges and the seriousness of the alleged crimes, he will not be returning to Robinson High School," Hegarty said.
Lewis and Howard were to be booked into Orient Road Jail, officials said.
Aparicio, who is assigned to U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base, is recovering from his injuries, according to Tampa Police. He was released from the hospital Wednesday.
robert graham
5:40 am on Sunday, May 20, 2012
These thugs MUST be charged with a hate crime by federal authorities!!!! If they don't do this they have no business charging Zimmerman with the same.
jennifer pfeifer
2:01 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
agree!
cJordan walker
10:39 am on Sunday, May 20, 2012
Please put them in a military stockade for one long day.
reall
9:28 pm on Sunday, May 20, 2012
Where is the hate crime call to action here? 4 blacks against 1 white guy! Talk about a double standard. I hope these pos get life.
jennifer pfeifer
2:04 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
if there was ever a need for a hate crime law this is it. This man an honorable man I might add, that was attacked by 4 bullies-thugs-punks-racist just walking home. where is jessie jackson and al sharpton? thought so...