Alleged Convenience Store Robber Nabbed By Deputies

Updated, 9:39 a.m.:

A man was arrested just hours after authorities say he grabbed cash from the drawer at two Manatee County convenience stores Friday.

The suspect entered the 7-Eleven at 224 Pearl Ave. in southern Manatee some time around 12:45 a.m. Friday, walked to the back of the store to select a drink from the cooler, then went to the cashier as if to purchase it, Manatee County Sheriff's deputies said.

When the cash register was open, the man lunged over the counter for the open drawer. There was a brief struggle before the suspect, 50-year-old Gary Robinson, grabbed a small amount of cash, about $5 to $10, and took off, bringing the drink with him, according to a sheriff's report. He was seen heading southbound on U.S. 41 in a beige SUV, witnesses said.

Investigators believe Robinson is also responsible for a similar crime just a short time later at the Circle K convenience store at 904 30th Ave. E. in Bradenton. 

In that case, a suspect entered the store, took a beer from the cooler and reached over the counter to grab cash from the register. This time, the store clerk slammed the man's hand in the drawer, causing him to flee and leave his beer behind. 

Within two hours of the first alleged robbery, Robinson's SUV was spotted and stopped by authorities, who arrested him without incident.

Robinson confessed to the 7-Eleven robbery in an interview with detectives, authorities said.

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