A trip to the grocery store turned into a panic in the Florida Keys. A Florida man arrested for stalking shoppers with knife at Publix is now facing three criminal charges. The so what is simple: the Publix grocery store in Marathon is an ordinary, everyday errand for locals, and that is where the scare happened.
Key Takeaways
- John Paul Roberts, 50, of Umatilla, was arrested June 17, 2026, at a Marathon Publix.
- He faces charges of stalking, disturbing the peace, and obstruction.
- No injuries were reported, and security footage backed up witness accounts.
What Happened Inside the Marathon Publix?
Deputies with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrived around 7 p.m. after multiple 911 calls. Witnesses said Roberts made intense eye contact with shoppers. He then followed them through the aisles and out to their vehicles.
He carried a sheathed knife the whole time. One customer got so scared he ran out of the store, and Roberts reportedly chased after him. It was not a typical Wednesday evening in the Keys.
Incident Timeline
| Time / Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 17, 2026, ~7 p.m. | Multiple emergency calls come in from the Publix grocery store |
| Shortly after | Deputies arrive in Marathon |
| During response | Witnesses report shopper harassment in aisles and the lot |
| Parking lot | Roberts is seen kicking and swatting at chickens |
| On contact | He refuses to give his name to deputies |
| Follow-up | Security video confirms witness statements |
| Same night | Roberts is booked into Monroe County Jail |
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Who Is the Suspect?
Roberts is not a Keys local. He lives in Umatilla, a small Lake County town north of Orlando. That is hundreds of miles from Marathon.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | John Paul Roberts |
| Age | 50 |
| Hometown | Umatilla, Florida |
| Arrest Location | Publix, Marathon, Monroe County |
| Weapon | Knife, kept in a sheath |
| Custody | Monroe County Jail |
| Injuries | None reported |
Calling him a knife-wielding suspect may overstate things. Reports say the knife stayed sheathed. Still, carrying a blade while following strangers is what turned discomfort into fear.
What Charges Does Roberts Face?
This Monroe County arrest rests on three counts. Our analysis suggests all three are commonly handled as misdemeanors under Florida law, though prosecutors make the final call.
| Charge | Alleged Conduct | Typical Florida Classification* |
|---|---|---|
| Stalking | Following shoppers through the store and lot | First-degree misdemeanor (up to 1 year) |
| Disturbing the Peace | Causing panic and a public disturbance | Second-degree misdemeanor (up to 60 days) |
| Obstruction | Refusing to identify himself to deputies | First-degree misdemeanor (up to 1 year) |
*General guidance only. Actual charges and penalties depend on the court record.
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Why Does This Florida Crime Story Matter?
If you’ve been following Florida crime headlines, this won’t come as a surprise. Odd, viral “Florida Man” stories pop up often. But this one touches something real for everyday people.
- Grocery stores feel safe. That sense of safety was broken here.
- Witnesses acted fast. Multiple 911 calls got deputies there quickly.
- Cameras mattered. Security footage backed up every key claim.
- No one got hurt. Quick reporting likely helped keep it that way.
Industry insiders are noting that retail surveillance systems are now a core tool for police in cases like this.
What Should Shoppers Do if Someone Follows Them?
Grocery store safety starts with trusting your gut. Here is a quick guide you can use on your next run.
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Someone stares or follows you | Change aisles and see if they keep following |
| You spot a weapon | Move away and call 911 right away |
| You feel unsafe inside | Tell a store manager or employee |
| Walking to your car | Ask staff for an escort |
| Someone chases you | Head to a busy, well-lit area |
| After the incident | Write down details and give them to deputies |
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What Happens Next in the Case?
As of July 21, 2026, public reports have not shared updates on court dates or plea status. Here is what to watch for:
- Arraignment and whether Roberts enters a plea
- Any mental health evaluation requests
- Possible no-contact orders for the victims
- Whether prosecutors upgrade or drop any charges
Roberts is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The Bottom Line
This case is a clear reminder that shopper harassment can happen anywhere, even at a friendly neighborhood Publix. Fast 911 calls, alert employees, and solid video evidence made a big difference. Stay aware, speak up, and never brush off that uneasy feeling.
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