Two Strong Arm Robberies Under Investigation

The first strong arm robbery occurred near the intersection of Bon Air Avenue and Indiana Lane at approximately 12:37 a.m. Saturday. The victims told officers they were walking home from a local pub when a gray sports car, possibly two door, pulled up to speak with them.

Two men got out of the car and pushed of the victims to the ground and punched the other victim in the head twice and steal a purse. The men got back into the car and left in the northbound direction. The purse had credit cards and cash inside.

The only description the officer got from the victims was the suspect was a black male, short puffy hair and clean shaven.

The second arm robbery occurred at the Tuttle Walkway Park at approximately 1:33 a.m. Saturday. The victim told officers he was riding his bicycle on the Tuttle Avenue Walkway Park when he stopped on the trail to look at a sewer drain. 

Two men walked up to the victim and asked him if he needed anything and he said no. The men hit the victim in the face and told him to give it up or they would shoot him. After the victim was hit, he stepped away and threw his wallet, cell phone, mp3 player and hat on the ground.  The men took the belongings and told the victim if he snitched, they would shoot him.

The men in the second strong arm robbery are described as 1) Hispanic male, 5’7”, skinny, black hair, brown hat.  2) Hispanic male, 5’7”, skinning, black spiked hair with a white t-shirt.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Sarasota Police Department at 941-316-1199 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com