SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

Gulf Breeze Convenience Store Robbed at Gun Point

On 12/09/08 at approximately 2245 hours, Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to the Tom Thumb located at 4991 Gulf Breeze in reference to an armed robbery. Deputies arrived less than 3 minutes after the robbery was reported. When deputies arrived, they spoke to the clerk that was present inside. The clerk told deputies that a white male suspect entered the store armed with a semi-automatic handgun, ordering the clerk to the ground. The suspect then walked behind the counter and demanded that the clerk tell him how to open the cash register. The suspect threatened to kill the clerk if he didn't comply. The suspect attempted to open the cash register with no success. The suspect became frustrated due to not being able to gain access to the cash register. The suspect then told the clerk that he would kill him if the clerk called law enforcement. The suspect then exited the store. Once outside the store, the suspect approached two female victims that were inside a vehicle parked in front of the store. The suspect pointed the gun at them and demanded all of their money or he would kill them. The suspect was given money from inside the female's purse. The suspect then left the scene on foot and it is believed that he left in a vehicle that was waiting nearby. No one was hurt during the robbery. Law enforcement was not able to locate the suspect and they are currently asking for the public's help concerning information about the suspect. The suspect is described as a white male, 5'06" to 5'07", wearing a red hooded jacket, blue jeans, and light colored eyebrows. Video surveillance is not available at this time. Investigators are asking anyone with information concerning the suspect's identity to contact the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office at 983-1190, or Crime Stoppers at 437-STOP.

Press Release By:

Sgt. Scott Haines

Media Relations Unit

(850) 981-2136 or shaines@srso.net