The U.S. Marshals Service arrested a suspect in last week’s home invasion and robbery in Ponte Vedra Beach, and St. Johns County detectives are now seeking two additional suspects believed to be associates of the man in custody.
Kyle Andre-Justin Byrd of Baldwin, Florida was taken into custody Jan. 13 for violating probation in Duval County. Following his arrest, St. Johns County detectives interviewed him regarding the events surrounding the Jan. 9 home invasion on Great Harbor Way in Ponte Vedra Beach. Byrd was subsequently charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, home invasion and grand theft of a motor vehicle. That car – a 2009 gray Subaru Legacy belonging to the victims of the home invasion – has since been recovered in Jacksonville and is being forensically examined by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
Following his arrest, Byrd was transported and booked into the Duval County Jail. Detectives continue to seek two additional suspects who are believed to have participated in the Jan. 9 home invasion, when two black males armed with handguns reportedly forced their way into a couple’s residence on Great Harbor Way and began taking property. According to the couple, a third black male arrived later holding another person – later identified as Marcus Anthony Hatch, 16, of Jacksonville – at gunpoint. The couple’s roommate then arrived home and was also held at gunpoint. The suspects then tied up the three victims before leaving with Hatch in the couple’s Subaru.
An Amber Alert was issued Jan. 10 for the stolen car and Hatch, who was found in good health later that day in Jacksonville. Investigators were working with him to gather more information on the alleged home invasion and robbery.
Sheriff’s deputies are asking anyone who may have information regarding Byrd’s activities or his known associates to contact the Major Crimes Unit or Crime Stoppers.