Concrete Bandit Strikes Florida Store Owner

LAKELAND, FL — Sheriff's deputies in Polk County, Florida are scratching their heads as to what led a "dangerous" convenience store bandit to strike a store owner with a piece of concrete.

"Sometimes, a crime happens, and we’re left wondering 'Okay, why,'" conceded the Polk County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday. "Obviously, when someone steals a car, it’s because the thief wanted the car. If a villain breaks into a house, it’s because they’re a low-life punk who has no respect for other people’s property. But this crime, well, we’ve got nuthin."

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The bizarre incident occurred on Dec. 6 at the Kwik Stop Food Mart, 2100 New Tampa Highway in Lakeland. The Polk County Sheriff's Office released surveillance video on Wednesday and asked for the public's help in finding the concrete-throwing bandit.

The bandit began asking the store owner for random things that the store didn’t carry while keeping one hand in his jacket pocket, according to the sheriff's office.

"The store owner was a little bit suspicious, and then it hit him — literally," said the sheriff's office. "The suspect threw a chunk of concrete at the store owner for unknown reasons."

The concrete struck the store owner in the face and then hit a lottery machine.

"The screen of the lottery machine cracked, but fortunately our victim suffered no major injury," said the sheriff's office. "In fact, our victim took off after the suspect."

The bandit ran south on Wabash Avenue.

"One would assume that this was a premeditated attack, because who carries a chunk of concrete in their jacket pockets," the sheriff's office added.

To report a tip, call Detective Bolin at 863-577-1626. Alternatively, call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 800-226-TIPS (8477) or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.

Video courtesy Polk County Sheriff's Office