WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Pasco detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying an armed suspect who committed five robberies since February 8th.
On Wednesday, February 14th, Sheriff Nocco held a press conference to update the investigation into the robberies. "We want to inform our citizens out there that we have a very violent individual on our hands that we're tracking down," the Sheriff said. The investigation is active and the Sheriff stressed the importance in finding the person behind the robberies. “The only way this is gonna end if this person turns themself in, somebody turns this person in… Or unfortunately there’s gonna be a shootout somewhere" said Sheriff Nocco.
Surveillance video shows the suspect entering the Citgo Gas Station, 29741 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, around 9 p.m. Thursday armed with a black and silver handgun demanding cash.
The man was wearing all black clothing and carrying a brown bag or purse, according to investigators.
On the same night, February 8, the unknown white male entered the Best Western Hotel on Oakley Boulevard in Wesley Chapel, only an hour and a half later.
The man fired a shot near the victim, who was not hit, according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.
The unknown suspect got away in a dark colored, 4-door vehicle.
According to PCSO, the armed man walked into a Metro PCS in Zephyrhills two days later, threatening an employee at gunpoint.
The man fired a gunshot in the store.
Two other robberies have been reported at Be Creative and the Subway in Lutz. The Pasco Sheriff is warning residents to not be alone at night and be aware of your surroundings.
Detectives say the unknown suspect was last seen wearing a pair of Nike shoes with a white logo and white trim on the bottom.
He's described as a white man, 5'06" - 5'10" in his 20's to early 30's. The unknown suspect possibly has a colored tattoo on the rear, left side of his neck.
Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay, 1-800-873-8477, is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading an arrest.
