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Altamonte Springs armed robbery suspects in custody

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Altamonte Springs police arrested two men on armed robbery charges Thursday morning.

Investigators said the men held up the Kangaroo Express on State Road 436 and Spring Oaks Boulevard.

One of the suspects said nothing as he was hauled off to jail.

A second man was also caught after being bitten by a police dog. Police said the suspect was aggressive with them and nearly had to be shot with a Taser.

“(He was) very combative, very aggressive, was not happy to be in custody obviously," said Altamonte Springs Police Officer Rob Pelton.

Police said after the robbery, both men fled to a wooded area next to Spring Lake Elementary School where they were captured.

"It was coming onto the school's front doorsteps that's why we utilized our resources. We put law enforcement, a huge perimeter and a school resource officer to ensure those kids stayed safe," Pelton said.

Officers took their time moving in on the men, even after one was located from the air.

"We know we have him in there, but the most important part is 'Is law enforcement going to be ambushed by that second armed suspect when we don't know exactly where he's at?'" said Pelton.

Police said the men wore masks as they pointed handguns in employees' and customers' faces. One customer was able to escape and call 911.

"Although he didn't want to go on camera, he did want to express his gratitude, saying he can sleep tonight knowing the person who put a gun in his face is behind bars," said Pelton.

Police believe one of the suspects gave them a fake name. The second suspect was not willing to identify himself.