Pine Bluff, Florida – The Pine Bluff Police Department’s Violent Crime Apprehension Team (VCAT) has arrested two men in connection with a July 29 aggravated robbery and aggravated assault case as part of the department’s ongoing Operation Hotel Blues investigation.
Authorities announced the arrests of Marcell Banks and Derrick Matthews following a multi-step investigation that involved several units from local law enforcement agencies. Police said the operation resulted in the recovery of stolen property, the seizure of firearms, and evidence connected to additional criminal investigations.
The investigation moved forward on August 3 when Lieutenant Brett Talley observed a dark blue Mercedes-Benz near the intersection of West 28th Avenue and South Hazel Street. Investigators believed the vehicle had been used during the robbery that occurred on July 29.
Detectives from the Detective Bureau and additional VCAT officers responded to assist with a lawful traffic stop. The driver was identified as Sean Lacy.
During the stop, officers detected the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Based on probable cause, officers conducted a search of the car. During the search, they discovered a PSA Dagger handgun that had been reported stolen during the July 29 aggravated robbery.
Police also found Lacy in possession of marijuana and suspected narcotics, which were collected as evidence. Crime Scene Technicians were called to process the vehicle and document the items recovered during the search.
Following the search, Lacy was transported to the Pine Bluff Police Department Detective Division for questioning. During the interview process, detectives learned that Lacy was wanted by the White Hall Police Department in connection with a separate vehicle break-in investigation.
As detectives continued gathering information, VCAT investigators determined that Marcell Banks had rented a room at the Days Inn Motel located at 406 North Blake Street in Pine Bluff. Investigators identified the specific room as 207 and worked with the Detective Bureau to obtain a search warrant.
Police said Banks and Matthews had histories involving violent felony offenses and investigators believed the two men could be armed. Because of those concerns, the Pine Bluff Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team was called in to assist with the operation.
Several additional law enforcement teams responded to support the arrest effort. Those assisting included the Jefferson County Special Response Team, Hostage Negotiator Captain Yohance Brunson, Sergeant Michael Musgrove with the White Hall Police Department, the Pine Bluff Police Department Drone Unit, and the Pine Bluff Police Crime Scene Unit.
Officers approached the motel room and began communication efforts before taking action. Police said they were able to safely remove a female juvenile and her young daughter from the room before arresting Matthews without incident.
Investigators said Banks later approached the area from another location and was immediately taken into custody by officers.
During the arrests, both Banks and Matthews were found to be in possession of firearms and ski masks, according to police. Authorities said evidence collected during the operation also connected both men to the White Hall Police Department vehicle break-in investigation.
The Pine Bluff Police Department said the arrests are part of continued efforts through Operation Hotel Blues to address violent crime and hold individuals responsible for serious offenses accountable.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may be released as detectives continue reviewing evidence and following up on information gathered during the operation.
