Fort Worth Police are asking for the public's help finding a teenager they describe as "extremely violent" and suspected in several aggravated robberies, including one where a store clerk's dog was shot and killed.
Detective Brian Raynsford said Friday afternoon several law enforcement agencies are looking for 18-year-old Donavin Copeland in connection with a string of crimes.
"He's one of the most dangerous and violent young men I've come across and I've been in robbery for 12 years," Raynesford said.
Raynsford said Fort Worth Police detectives have identified Copeland as the suspect in at least four separate aggravated robberies in Fort Worth and Saginaw since December 2022.
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On Friday afternoon they released a collection of photographs (below) taken from surveillance video of the robberies that they said helped identify him as the suspect. Raynesford pointed out that in the robberies, Copeland made no attempt to cover his face or to stay away from cameras and that he had no issue using a gun.
The detective shared a timeline of events that Copeland is believed to have been involved in that began last December, though his reported criminal history goes back even further.
- On Dec. 7, 2022, a man entered a convenience store in Saginaw, fired a shot at the clerk and then took cash and the clerk's car. The shot missed the clerk who was not physically injured.
- On Dec. 27, 2022, at about 3 p.m., a man robbed a game room at 117 Longhorn Road in Fort Worth. There were two people involved in the robbery including one who pistol-whipped a victim before taking cash and the clerk's car.
- On Jan. 2, at about 1 p.m., a man entered a store on the 600 block of North Main Street in Fort Worth and shot and killed a small dog that ran toward him. He pointed the gun at the clerk, demanded cash and stole her car.
- On Jan. 11, at about 3 p.m., a man entered a convenience store at 101 Longhorn Road in Fort Worth. He fired shots into the ceiling and demanded cash from a clerk before stealing their vehicle.
"All of these robberies have the same, similar M-O. Same, similar victim description. In all of these robberies, someone was shot at or pistol-whipped by the suspect. All of the victims' cars were stolen and were all later recovered at separate locations in West Fort Worth.
Raynsford said Fort Worth SWAT and Saginaw officers searched a residence in Saginaw Thursday night belonging to Copeland's family. He said detectives found multiple firearms and physical evidence inside the home that could be linked back to the aggravated robberies.
Though the string of robberies started in December 2022, Raynsford said Copeland has a lengthy criminal history that began at least several months earlier.
According to Raynsford:
- Copeland was arrested in Denton County on Sept. 9, 2022, after being accused of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, unlawfully carrying a weapon and tampering with physical evidence.
- Copeland was stopped by the Parker County Sheriff's Office on a traffic stop on Oct. 30, 2022. During the stop, Copeland was placed in the back of the deputy's vehicle but he escaped on foot as the deputy investigated the vehicle. Deputies reported finding a stolen gun, marijuana and fentanyl in the car.
- Copeland was in a motel in White Settlement on Nov. 17, 2022, with a girl that he is accused of attacking and robbing. Raynsford said he assaulted the woman, damaged property and then stole the woman's vehicle. The car was later found in Parker County.
The detective said Copeland is also wanted for additional warrants of theft of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance in Parker County and auto theft, assault, and criminal trespass in White Settlement. Fort Worth Police have issued an aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon warrant.
Raynesford said Copeland is "extremely dangerous" and "a clear and present danger to the public and law enforcement."
"We have a well-founded concern that other people are in danger here. This person obviously, he does not have any qualms about pulling the trigger," Raynesford said. "We need to get this person off the street and we need the citizens' help to do that."
Should anyone see Copeland, police warn that under no circumstances should they approach him, follow him or attempt to detain him. He is to be considered armed and extremely dangerous. Call 911 or Crimestoppers to report his location. Callers to Crimestoppers may be eligible for a reward and can remain anonymous.
Police said Copeland has spelled his first name as both Donavin and Donovin. He stands about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 150 pounds. Police did not mention any other identifying features or tattoos.
