31-year-old Joseph Taylor of Englewood was arrested last night after deputies say he beat and robbed a man who tried to buy drugs from him. Taylor allegedly threatened the would-be customer with a machete, who pulled a gun in response. Taylor and another man dropped their weapons but managed to distract the victim and put him in a chokehold until he was unconscious. As he woke up, he realized his money and gun were missing and so called police. Taylor is charged with armed robbery and battery with a deadly weapon. He remains in the Sarasota County jail without bond.
