Tampa Man Accused Of Armed Robbery Of A Gas Station

TAMPA, FL — A Tampa man is facing charges after federal authorities said he robbed a gas station and fired a gun at the clerk.

Rafael Jimenez, 30, was arrested and charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, Acting U.S. Attorney Sara Sweeney announced Wednesday. The case is part of the Department of Justice's "Operation Take Back America" initiative, which intends to "repel the invasion of illegal immigration and achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations," according to prosecutors.

According to court documents, Jimenez entered a Tampa gas station on March 8 and brandished a gun while demanding money from the register. Shortly after, prosecutors said Jimenez fired a shot in the direction of the clerk, striking the ground directly behind them.

Prosecutors said Jimenez stole cigarettes and more than $600 from the store as well. He was apprehended after surveillance footage from days before the robbery showed physical similarities between Jimenez and the robber, including a distinctive tattoo.

According to court documents, evidence found in Jimenez’s trash outside his home included a ski mask, gloves and the same brand of cigarettes used by the suspect. Surveillance video from nearby businesses also showed a vehicle similar to one driven by Jimenez traveling on roads close to the scene of the robbery before and after it occurred.

If convicted, Jimenez faces up to 20 years in prison.