Crime & Safety

Two Men Rob Ho's Garden, Deputies Say

One man is under arrest and another is sought in the afternoon robbery of the Chinese restaurant in Sarasota.

One man is under arrest and another is sought in the robbery of a Chinese restaurant, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday.

The two suspects entered Ho's Garden, 3234 17th St., around 4:20 p.m. Tuesday and asked for cash from the restaurant's 58-year-old owner, investigators said. When she refused, one of the men grabbed and threw her to the ground while the other attempted to empty the cash register and tip jar, according to the arrest affidavit.

The two men ultimately fled on foot and a witness called 911, the sheriff's office said.

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The victim did not report any injuries and no weapons were seen or implied, investigators said.

A further investigation led the sheriff's office to arrest John J. Mullins, 52, and charge him with attempted robbery.

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The second suspect is described as a heavyset man in his 40s with yellow hair. He was described as wearing a white T-shirt and shorts at the time of the incident.

The investigation is still ongoing. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's Criminal Investigations Section at 941-861-4900 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.

 


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