Tampa Police Detectives Working to Identify Armed Suspect in Two Restaurant Robberies

DATE: November 4, 2013 ROBBERY #1: Papa John's Pizza, 9340 North Florida Avenue at 7:36 p.m. ROBBERY #2: Subway, 1819 East Fowler Avenue at 8:08 p.m. SUSPECT DESCRIPTION: Heavy set black male approximately 5'7"-5'11" captured on store surveillance wearing black long pants, a dark colored ski mask and a black, white and red flannel shirt SUSPECT VEHICLE: Newer model gray or silver SUV DETAILS: Tampa Police detectives are asking for the public's helping in identifying an armed suspect who robbed two restaurants within thirty minutes. The suspect walked into the Papa John's Pizza on Florida Avenue shortly after 7:30 p.m. on November 4. He pointed a firearm at a store employee and demanded money from the register. The manager complied with the suspect's request. The suspect ordered all of the employees to go to the back of the business and then he fled the scene with cash. At 8:08 p.m., the same suspect committed a second armed robbery at a Subway restaurant on Fowler Avenue. He walked into the restaurant displaying a gun and demanding money. However, the victim was able to run to safety through a back door. The suspect casually walked out of the restaurant after being unsuccessful in obtaining any money from the business. None of the victims involved in these two robberies were injured. Anyone with information about the suspect who committed these armed robberies is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477) or text "CSTB plus your tip" to 274637 (CRIMES). Anonymous tips leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash. Janelle McGregor TPD PIO