By Palm Beach and Broward Mugshots
A Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office investigation into what detectives describe as a coordinated armed ambush at Okeeheelee Park has led to multiple arrests, with authorities alleging that as many as 10 to 13 suspects participated in the robbery of a young barber and his friend. Investigators say additional suspects remain under investigation and could face charges as the case continues to develop.
According to court records, the incident occurred shortly after midnight on May 31, 2026, at Okeeheelee Park South in suburban West Palm Beach. Detectives say the victims believed they were meeting a customer for a late-night haircut after arrangements were made through Instagram and phone communications.
Investigators allege the meeting was actually part of a planned setup.
According to the affidavit, one suspect allegedly contacted the victim repeatedly while directing him to a secluded location inside the park. When the victims arrived, deputies say numerous suspects emerged from vehicles and nearby wooded areas. Authorities allege many of the individuals were armed with firearms and wearing face coverings.
Detectives say the victims were surrounded, threatened, physically attacked, and robbed of barber equipment, a cellphone, a speaker, glasses, and other personal belongings. The stolen barber equipment reportedly contained more than $1,200 worth of professional tools used by the victim to operate his barber business.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage, witness statements, social media communications, cellphone records, license plate reader data, and other evidence during the lengthy investigation. According to PBSO, surveillance footage showed suspects gathering at the park before the victims arrived and allegedly preparing for the encounter. Authorities further allege several suspects were seen handling firearms prior to the robbery.
The affidavit states that detectives identified Dipson Maradiaga as the individual who allegedly arranged the meeting that brought the victims to the park. Investigators also identified Marcos Diaz as a suspected participant after witnesses reported recognizing him during the robbery. Additional suspects were later identified through surveillance photographs and investigative follow-up.
Authorities have already taken several individuals into custody in connection with the investigation, including Brandon Morales-Lopez, Dipson Maradiaga, Marcos Diaz, and Jaeson Mercado Felipe, according to investigative records and related arrests connected to the case. Detectives believe additional suspects participated in the robbery and continue working to identify and locate everyone involved.
According to investigators, the robbery involved multiple vehicles, including a white van and a sedan allegedly used to transport suspects to and from the scene. Detectives say evidence gathered during the investigation helped establish probable cause linking several individuals to the incident.
PBSO has indicated the investigation remains active and that further arrests are possible. Anyone with information regarding additional participants is encouraged to contact the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
The case will continue through the Palm Beach County court system.
All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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