Shots Fired At FL Outlet Mall During Attempted Armed Robbery: Watch

ELLENTON, FL — Investigators are looking for two men who attempted an armed robbery at Ellenton Outlet Mall Wednesday afternoon, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office news release. (Watch a video of the suspects below.)

Two men wearing masks and armed with at least one gun went into Gold Palace Jewelry at the mall just before 3 p.m.

After entering the store, one of the suspects approached an employee and shot a round toward the back of the store, which didn’t hit anyone, the sheriff’s office said.

Another employee then pulled out a gun and shot in the direction of the suspects, but missed. The suspects ran from the store towards the parking lot.

An off-duty deputy was at the mall and responded to the store within minutes of hearing shots fired. He secured the store and made sure no one was injured before chasing after the suspects, MCSO said.

Nothing was taken from the store and there were no injuries. EMS was called for someone inside the store who had a medical episode after the attempted robbery.

The suspects are described as Black men who were wearing blue FedEx-style shirts. They drove away from the mall in what appeared to be a silver Toyota Highlander.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at 941-747-3011, or to remain anonymous and to be eligible for a cash reward, contact Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.ManateeCrimeStoppers.com.

Watch video surveillance footage of the incident below: