Crime & Safety

Shoplifter Points Gun at Store Employee

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has released surveillance photos in hopes of catching the man.

A thief in search of a five-finger discount on some new duds wasn’t playing around March 21 when he took some clothing from the Beall’s Outlet store on Waters Avenue.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the man went into the 7039 W. Waters Ave. store, took clothing and left without paying. When he did, a store employee attempted to stop him.

The man, a sheriff’s office media release said, then pulled out a black handgun, pointed it at the employee and left the scene on a dark-colored bicycle.

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Images of the man were caught on surveillance cameras. He is described as being between 5 feet, 9 inches and 5 feet, 11 inches in height. He weighs between 160-170 pounds and has black hair, brown eyes and was last seen wearing white and black Nike shoes, khaki shorts and a black hoodie.

Anyone with information about the crimes or the man deputies say is responsible is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 813-247-8200. Those wishing to be eligible for a cash reward can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be reported anonymously online at www.crimestopperstb.comor by sending a text to "CSTB plus your tip" to C-R-I-M-E-S (274637).

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