Suspect surrenders after standoff

By TIMES STAFF WRITER
Published May 20, 2006

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TAMPA - Tampa police arrested a man they say was the leader behind a recent robbery spree.

Rykeith Levatte, 19, barricaded himself inside a house at 5818 Ridein Road and threatened to kill himself when police arrived Friday and surrounded the residence, a police spokesman said. After talking to detectives for 30 minutes, he agreed to walk out.

Levatte, who lives at 7309 E Bank Drive, was arrested on charges of armed robbery, grand theft auto, fleeing and attempting to elude police, leaving the scene of a crash and violation of probation.

He was booked into Orient Road Jail and is being held without bond.