By Palm Beach and Broward Mugshots
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has made additional arrests in connection with an alleged armed ambush at Okeeheelee Park South involving as many as 10 to 13 suspects.
Newly released court documents identify Dipson Maradiaga as the person investigators allege arranged the May 31, 2026, meeting that brought the victims to the secluded park.
Other individuals identified during the investigation include Jaeson Mercado-Felipe, Brando Morales-Lopez, Josue Jesus-Mejia and Marcos Diaz.
According to a PBSO probable-cause affidavit, one victim had recently begun cutting hair when Maradiaga allegedly contacted him through Instagram requesting a late-night haircut. Investigators say Maradiaga sent the victim a location pin and repeatedly called while the victim and a friend drove to the park.
When they arrived, the victim removed approximately $1,200 in barber equipment from his vehicle, believing he was preparing to perform the haircut.
Authorities allege a masked suspect then produced a handgun and demanded their property. Several additional suspects reportedly emerged from the woods while others exited two vehicles.
One victim was allegedly beaten and thrown to the ground while members of the group searched his vehicle. Another suspect allegedly held a firearm against the second victim’s head. The group reportedly stole barber equipment, an iPhone, eyeglasses and a portable speaker.
Surveillance footage allegedly showed several suspects arriving before the victims, handling firearms and taking photographs with the weapons. Some members of the group then reportedly concealed themselves in the woods while Maradiaga remained near the meeting location.
Investigators recovered the victim’s phone and reviewed social-media communications, cellphone information, surveillance footage and license-plate-reader records.
A Palm Beach Lakes High School administrator reportedly identified surveillance photographs of Maradiaga, Mercado-Felipe and Morales-Lopez. The victim also identified Maradiaga and allegedly recognized Diaz by his voice, height, walk and mannerisms.
Investigators allege Maradiaga arranged the meeting and participated in the robbery by grabbing one victim and helping throw him to the ground.
The newest arrest report lists Mercado-Felipe, Jesus-Mejia and Morales-Lopez as co-defendants. Maradiaga was taken into custody June 29 and accused of two counts of robbery with a firearm.
The investigation remains active as detectives work to identify everyone allegedly involved.
All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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