safety
Florida man stalked Publix customers with a knife before kicking chickens, sheriff's office says
By Steven Yablonski at CBS4 Miami
· June 18, 2026
· 1 min read
A Florida man is facing several charges after he was accused of terrifying customers inside a Publix while armed with a knife, according to deputies.The Monroe County Sheriff's Office said John Paul Roberts, 50, of Umatilla, Florida, which is northwest of Orlando, was arrested Wednesday in the Flori
Key takeaway The Monroe County Sheriff's Office said John Paul Roberts, 50, of Umatilla, Florida, which is northwest of Orlando, was arrested Wednesday in the Florida Keys after the incident that prompted fear from those inside the store.
Why this matters in The Miami
The incident at the Publix in Marathon raises concerns about public safety in Miami -Dade County's neighboring communities. While the Florida Keys are a distinct region, the ease of travel between the Keys and Miami means that individuals like John Paul Roberts can potentially pose a threat to multiple areas. Miami residents who frequently visit the Keys or have family and friends living there may be particularly interested in this case. The fact that Roberts was able to stalk and intimidate customers without being immediately stopped also highlights the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious behavior. As Miami-Dade County continues to grow and attract new residents, ensuring public safety remains a top priority, and incidents like this one serve as a reminder to stay alert and aware of one's surroundings, especially in public places like grocery stores.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: June 18, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Florida man is facing several charges after he was accused of terrifying customers inside a Publix while armed with a knife, according to deputies.The Monroe County Sheriff's Office said John Paul Roberts, 50, of Umatilla, Florida, which is northwest of Orlando, was arrested Wednesday in the Flori
When was this published? This article was first published on June 18, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Steven Yablonski at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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