Armed Robbery Investigation

NEWS RELEASE 17-223 - OCTOBER 13, 2017


The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to identify a suspect who robbed a Sarasota gas station early Friday morning.

Deputies were called to Shell at 5100 Fruitville Road, at 3:30 a.m., for reports of an armed robbery. According to the store clerk, the suspect approached him while he was standing outside and led him into the store at gunpoint. The suspect demanded cash and fled on foot westbound on Fruitville Road. Deputies and Venice Police Department K-9 units responded and attempted to locate the suspect however, were unsuccessful.

The suspect is described as a white male in his mid 30’s with an average build, approximately 5’10” tall, and 180 lbs. At the time of the robbery, he was wearing a black t-shirt with a light-colored long sleeve shirt underneath it. The suspect also had a t-shirt wrapped around his face and wore work gloves. 

Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigation Section at 941.861.4258. Citizens can also submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of Sarasota by calling 941.366.TIPS or online at www.SarasotaCrimeStoppers.com.