KC man used assault rifle during string of taxi and food delivery holdups: charges

A 19-year-old man used an assault rifle in one of a string of robberies targeting food delivery drivers and taxis across Kansas City this year, according to Jackson County prosecutors.

Larentez D. Gravely of Kansas City is charged in Jackson County Circuit Court with five counts of first-degree robbery and armed criminal action.

The robberies took place between August and October at various locations throughout Kansas City, according to court records.

In each robbery, several men armed with a gun or knife ordered a taxi cab or food delivery and then robbed the drivers of their cars and personal items.

In one case, Gravely is accused of pointing an assault rifle at a victim. A robbery in the 2000 block of Tower Park was captured on surveillance video, prosecutors say.

On Oct. 10, police were sent to an abandoned house in the 4400 block of East 26th Street on a trespassing call. While searching the house, officers found an assault rifle and arrested Gravely and two accomplices.

While searching Gravely, officers found a stolen Social Security card in his pocket.

Gravely was charged with possession of stolen property and was released pending further investigation.

Three days later on Oct. 13, according to prosecutors, Gravely committed a robbery in the 6800 block of Askew Avenue. Gravely allegedly wore a clown mask, used an assault rifle and placed a large knife on the neck of a victim.

Gravely was arrested a second time on Oct. 16.

Gravely is being held in the Jackson County Detention Center on a $150,000 bond. He is scheduled to make an initial court appearance Thursday afternoon.

Two other accomplices also were charged in connection with the holdups, according to prosecutors.

This story was originally published October 25, 2018 at 11:42 AM.