Suspect Sought in Strong Arm Robbery Outside Winn-Dixie

A shopper bringing groceries to her car was robbed in the Winn-Dixie parking lot, and authorities are on the lookout for the culprit.

Around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 14), a female paid for her groceries at the market, 2540 East Bearss Ave., and was walking to her vehicle when a man approached her from behind and “forcefully” removed four gold chains from her neck, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Surveillance images show the man observing the shopper at the register and then following her into the parking lot. After swiping the jewelry, the man got into a light colored SUV and drove east toward Livingston Avenue.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in finding the suspect, described as a black man in his early 20s, between 5-foot, 8-inches to 6-feet tall with a thin build and short hair.

The SUV is an older model with a spare tire on the rear.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 247-8200 or, to be eligible for a cash reward, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477). People can also report anonymously online at www.crimestopperstb.com or text "CSTB plus your tip" to C-R-I-M-E-S (274637).