Police: Man With Hammer Robs Sarasota Smoke Shop

A man threw a hammer at a store clerk during a robbery at a Sarasota smoke shop Friday afternoon, police said.

Officers say the man walked into a business called Smoke Shop Sarasota/Cheap Smokes at 2815 N. Tamiami Trail just before 4 p.m. Friday and told the clerk he wanted money.

The man then threw the hammer at the employee, hitting him in the shoulder, then said he had a gun, according to police.

The clerk jumped the counter and ran out of the store before the suspect smashed the register. He took off with an unknown amount of cash.

No gun has been found during the preliminary investigation, police said.

The suspect is described as a black man, 6-foot-1 with medium build and short hair. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a white shirt with unknown colored stripes and white tennis shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sarasota Police Department at 941-316-1199.

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