Armed Robbers Strike Memories Lounge (Video)

SARASOTA, FL — Sarasota Police detectives are asking for help identifying two men wanted in connection with a Sunday morning armed robbery at Memories Lounge. Authorities say the two men held up the establishment’s bartender while toting rifles.

The incident at the 3428 N. Tamiami Trail bar began to unfold around 1:30 a.m. June 18. Police say surveillance cameras captured the two men entering the lounge’s parking lot from the southeast. The men walked through the parking lot and then ran through the front door, an email from the police department said.

Get the Sarasota Patch newsletter and alerts in your inbox.

Once inside the business, police say one suspect, who appears to have been armed with a rifle, walked toward the bar and ordered the bartender to hand over money. The robber is accused of pushing the bartender to the cash register and then taking money from the drawer. The man, police noted, also grabbed two bottles of alcohol before taking off. The other man also carried what is believed to be a rifle, police said.

Both suspects are described as black males. The first is between the age of 25 and 35. He stands about 5-foot-10 and has a muscular build, long goatee or beard, brown eyes and black hair. The second suspect is believed to also be between 25 and 35 years old. He has a thin build, police say, and stands about 6 feet tall.

Anyone who recognizes the men or has information about the robbery is asked to call Det. Dustin Luciano at 941-363-5827. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or by going online to www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.

Keep up with what’s happening by following Sarasota Patch on Facebook.

Video and photo courtesy of the Sarasota Police Department