SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE

Seth Matthew Heart (24) of Vero Beach, was arrested for robbery after he reportedly threatened a man who was making a deposit at the PNC Bank branch at 6200 20^th Street in Indian River County yesterday at approximately 9PM.

The victim reported Heart was wearing a gray sweatshirt, gray pants, and a mask (bandana), when he walked up behind him. The victim noted that the suspect pointed what he initially thought was a silver handgun at him.  The suspect demanded the deposit bag in the victim’s possession and stated words to the effect of, “just report it to your insurance company.” After relinquishing the bag, Heart ran from the area.  It was at that point the victim recognized the silver weapon in Heart’s hand as a knife. The victim immediately called 911 and the first deputy was on scene is about 30 seconds.

The victim provided the suspect description and direction of travel; south bound into the Heddin Place subdivision. A perimeter was set up by responding deputies including K-9 units and the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office helicopter.  Deputies in the helicopter noted the suspect was running from the spotlight and they were able to direct a K-9 deputy to his location. Heart was located in a field east of Sixty Oaks and Heddin Place and was taken into custody at approximately 9:20PM.

In a ditch along 20^th Street on what was likely the route Heart took when fleeing from the scene, deputies recovered the gray clothes he had been wearing.

Heart admitted to investigators that he robbed the victim and that he took the gray clothes from an unlocked car in the area. He was booked into the Indian River County Jail and charged with armed robbery with a deadly weapon and grand theft. His bond was set at $150,000 at his first appearance hearing this morning. As of this media release, he has not posted bond and remains in custody.