Two Armed Robbery Suspects Being Sought By Pinellas Deputies

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s help to identify two suspect who attempted to rob a 40 year-old Clearwater man at gun point after he responded to an sales ad on Craig’s List for a motorcycle.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the crime occurred at about 1:23 PM on Friday, April 24, 2015.  It occurred in the backyard of a vacant private residence located at 1730 St. Croix Drive in unincorporated Clearwater.

Deputies say the victim responded to the listed address and initially no one was there. The victim texted the subject, who advised he’d be right over. The victim left the area briefly; and returned a short time later. Deputies say upon the victim’s return, suspect #1 called the victim over into the back yard of the home. Moments later suspect #2 entered the back yard, pointed a gun at the victim and demanded cash.

The uninjured victim ran out to the front yard to call for help. Neighbors called 911 as the suspects fled on foot.

Suspect #1 is described as a Black male, 16-20 years of age, short afro, and thin build. He was last seen wearing a read shirt with a number on it.

Suspect #2 is described as a Black male, 16-20 years of age, and thin build. He was last seen wearing a mask over his face, a beanie on his head and carrying a dark colored backpack.

A third young man was present but according to investigators, was not seen by the victim.

Deputies were able to obtain surveillance video of the suspects from a nearby residence, which can be viewed below.

The investigation continues.

Anyone with information that may assist deputies in this investigation is asked to contact Deputy Kent Snavely at (727) 582-6200

Some local law enforcement agencies have created “safe areas” for people to conduct online transactions. The area are often located in parking lots of the police department with surveillance monitoring.  Both Largo Police Department and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has encouraged safe transactions on their premises. Check with your local law enforcement agency for their participation in this service.

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