DAVENPORT, Fla. (WFLA) — A Davenport man who attempted to rob a man during a drug deal was shot in self-defense, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a news conference Wednesday.

Just before midnight on Tuesday, deputies responded to an incident in the parking lot at the Tropicana Motel, located at 43420 US-27.

Harold Omar Sepulveda-Cruz, 33, and Robert Rafael Pementel-Cruceta Jr., 31, planned a robbery under the guise of selling marijuana, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. During the alleged illegal transaction, Cruz climbed into the backseat of the car that Cruceta – the suspected drug dealer – and Christian MacDonald, 44, were sitting in.

MacDonald, who was identified as the drug buyer, told deputies that Cruz “immediately began demanding money and drugs from both of them” and threatened to kill them, according to a release from PCSO.

Cruz used a makeshift gun during the robbery and pressed it into MacDonald’s back, according to Judd. MacDonald then pulled out a real gun and fired ten shots into the backseat, killing Cruz.

“Christian MacDonald reaches into his pocket, pulls out a 9 millimeter handgun and shoots over his head, like this, into the backseat.” Judd said. “One of the 10 shots hits Cruz dead in the center of the forehead, that’s what you call DRT.”

The sheriff’s office said Cruceta was caught on camera rummaging through the car after the shooting and disposing of evidence. According to PCSO, deputies found Cruz’s ID, keys, and cellphone on the other side of a nearby fence.

Cruceta was charged with murder and drug possession, among several other offenses, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The full list can be viewed below:

  • Felony murder (2nd Degree)
  • Conspiracy to commit robbery
  • Possession of cannabis with intent to sell
  • Possession of heroin
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription
  • Maintaining a vehicle for drug use / sales
  • Tampering with physical evidence (x2)
  • Provide false information to LEO during investigation
  • Unlawful use of two-way communication device

MacDonald was determined to be acting in self defense and was not charged, according to PCSO.

“This is another example of how dangerous illegal drug transactions can be,” Judd said. “The drug dealer conspired with his friend to commit a robbery that resulted in his friend’s death. Now the drug dealer is going to prison. How did that work out for him?”