County searching for robber

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help to identify the suspect who tried to rob the PakMail at 5824 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota last night just after 5 p.m.

The suspect entered the store, pointed a black handgun at the clerk and demanded money. The clerk could not comply and the suspect fled on foot through the Center Gate Shopping Plaza.

While the suspect's features were not visible, the clerk confirmed it was a male about 6 feet tall. Detectives hope someone can identify him by his silver motorcycle helmet or backpack, which are visible in the attached photos.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Criminal Investigations at 861-4900 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 366-TIPS (8477), or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com or via text message by texting TIP109 plus a message to CRIMES (274637).

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].