Three Intercession City residents were arrested after they reportedly tried to rob an undercover Osceola County Sheriff's Office agent during a drug purchase Jan. 20.

The undercover agent, part of the Sheriff's Office narcotics enforcement team, agreed to meet Matthew Swett, 20, Dale Hicks, 16, and Benjamin Michael Abel, 19, to purchase marijuana. When the three arrived, they asked the agent for money. Abel approached the agent threateningly with a shovel.

Other agents in the area descended onto the scene, identifying themselves as law enforcement. The suspects fled.

The agency's K-9 and helicopter units assisted deputies in finding and arresting Abel and Hicks. Swett was found the following day after a warrant was obtained for his arrest.

Swett, of 1441 Wauchula St., and Abel, of 1551 Manatee St., were charged with armed robbery and aggravated assault and booked into the Osceola County Jail.
Hicks, of 1495 Nocatee St., was charged with armed robbery, attempting to sell and deliver marijuana, resisting without violence and tampering with evidence. He was taken to the Osceola County Juvenile Probation Center.