Ruskin food pantry attack: Suspect arrested after stabbing victim

Joshua Mobley, 27, was arrested in Ruskin on Thursday after deputies said he stabbed and robbed a man outside a local food pantry on Tuesday morning. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister described the incident as a daytime ambush near a site where residents seek assistance. Mobley now faces two felony counts related to the attack.

Deputies received a 911 call around 8 a.m. on Tuesday near Calvary Angel’s Attic in Ruskin. First responders found an injured man who had been stabbed. The victim told investigators that an assailant struck him multiple times with an unknown object. The attacker then took the victim's jewelry, cellphone, and wallet before fleeing on foot.

Paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Detectives identified Mobley through investigative means. Two days after the incident, deputies located and arrested him on Harbour Blue Street in Ruskin.

Mobley was booked on two charges: robbery with a weapon where the stolen value was between $750 and $20,000, and aggravated battery with a weapon causing great bodily harm. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has not disclosed the specific weapon used in the stabbing or the exact evidence that led to Mobley's identification.

Sheriff Chronister condemned the violence in an agency statement. "This victim was ambushed from behind and left injured near a place where our neighbors go for help," Chronister said. "This violent criminal is now off our streets and will answer for what he has done."

The investigation remains active. Authorities have offered a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to further evidence or a conviction. The public can contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-873-TIPS, submitting a tip online at www.crimestopperstb.com, or using the P3 Tips Mobile app.