Tampa, FL – Detectives from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office have launched a search for an armed suspect who unleashed a violent attack during a robbery at a local gas station, leaving the community on edge.
The incident unfolded on the morning of Thursday, August 31, 2023, at approximately 4:41 a.m. A man, whose identity remains unknown, entered the 7-Eleven convenience store located at 810 East Brandon Boulevard, where he proceeded to carry out a robbery by stealing cash from the store’s registers.
During the course of the robbery, the assailant, who was dressed in a distinctive multi-colored hoody, turned violent. He physically assaulted the victim who was manning the counter, grabbing her by the throat in a menacing manner. To further intimidate and force compliance, the suspect brandished a box cutter-type knife. Under duress, the victim was compelled to open the cash register.
Following the robbery, the suspect swiftly fled the scene, heading eastbound on East Brandon Boulevard. Despite the traumatic encounter, the victim fortunately sustained no life-threatening injuries during the incident.
Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed deep concern over the nature of the crime and its impact on the victim. “To watch this criminal forcefully take what he wants and attack an employee trying to make an honest living goes against everything we stand for as residents of Hillsborough County and as your Sheriff’s Office,” he stated firmly. “We will find this violent offender and make sure the victim of this crime sees justice.”
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information related to the suspect’s identity or whereabouts to come forward. Authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrator to justice and restore a sense of security to the community.
If you know or see this suspect, please call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200. This is still an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.
