Robbery Suspect Stabbed By Clerk

TAMPA, FL — Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies are asking for help identifying a man wanted in connection with a Sunday morning robbery. Deputies say the man should be relatively easy to spot since he was stabbed by one of the store’s clerks.

The incident that sparked the manhunt began to unfold around 5:45 a.m. June 18 when a man walked into the 14516 N. 22nd St. Sunoco and “demanded a money bag,” an email from the sheriff’s office said. The clerk and the man got involved in a struggle over a baseball bat that was behind the counter, deputies said.

“When the suspect overpowered the clerk and removed the bat, the clerk stabbed the suspect in the abdomen,” the email said. The struggle continued until the clerk fled the store and notified nearby deputies.

When the clerk ran for help, deputies say the man took a brown paper bag full of cash from behind the counter and took off himself.

Deputies say the suspect stands between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-10. He weighs and estimated 180 to 200 pounds and was last seen wearing blue jean shorts. Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 813-247-8200. Tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-873-TIPS or by going online to www.crimestopperstb.com.

Further information is not yet available.

Photo courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office