TAMPA, Fla. — A Tampa man wants other people to learn from his mistakes after he was robbed at gunpoint.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the armed robbery happened outside Walmart at 14941 N Dale Mabry Highway Tuesday, around 3:12 a.m. The victim, Alan, said it is not unusual for him to visit the store that early in the morning because he works late. He said he was putting on a new steering wheel cover when he noticed a man outside his car door. He thought he wanted change.
Alan said he made a mistake by leaving the door unlocked.
“The guy standing remained standing and he was inside the door with the gun to my face,” Alan described.
Alan did not want ABC Action News to use his last name. He said he noticed a second man surround his car.
“The other guy came out of this junk car and he crouched down next to the other one, but he kneeled down low and he had a gun. He said, ‘We’ll shoot you’,” Alan said.
Somehow Alan got between the two men and stood about 10 to 15 feet away from them. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputies said the men stole Alan’s credit card and drove off in their own car. Authorities said the suspects used the card minutes later at another Walmart.
“They got me at 3:05. They’re at the Walmart down the street and they charged $533, which the bank stopped,” Alan said.
Deputies arrested one of the suspects. They are looking for the second armed robber.
“The policeman that was here, he said I pretty much was an anthem for what not to do,” Alan said.
Alan hopes by sharing his story, others can learn from his mistakes.
“It’s just crazy ‘cause you’re staring at those two guns that are big guns like the police have and you think well shoot, you know, this is my time. They’re gonna…they’re gonna shoot me,” Alan said.
Deputies said you should always be aware of your surroundings. People should park in well lit areas. Ask security to walk you to your car or watch you and never let your guard down.
