Bathroom Stall Cell Phone Misunderstanding: Hillsborough Sheriff

BLOOMINGDALE — RIVERVIEW, FL — A man who was thought to be a suspect in what was mistaken as him filming with his cell phone in a Lowe's bathroom in Riverview is no longer a suspect, said the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators said after speaking with the man and the victim, this was a misunderstanding.

Detectives said a phone accidentally was dropped on the floor while both of them occupied a stall.

Original Patch Story:

Deputies are searching for a man who is accused by authorities of recording bathroom activity at a Lowe's in Riverview, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.

Law enforcement officials said at 5:45 p.m. on Sept. 29, the suspect went inside Lowe's, 10425 Gibsonton Drive, and immediately walked toward the store's restrooms.

A victim told the sheriff's office that at 6:45 p.m. they saw the suspect reach under the bathroom stall with a cell phone to record the victim.

The victim tried to confront the suspect, but he left the store, according to authorities.

Surveillance footage shows the suspect driving away in a dark 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban.

Detectives described the suspect as a white man between 50 to 60-years-old, who was last seen wearing a white and blue plaid button-up shirt, blue jeans, a black M5 medical mask and glasses and has an unidentifiable tattoo on his right forearm.

"The actions of this suspect are disturbing and will not be tolerated," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Thankfully, the surveillance footage we have of him is decent enough that someone out there could identify him. I urge anyone who saw this individual or noticed any kind of suspicious activity at the store last week to call us immediately."

Anybody with information is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200. In order to be eligible for a cash reward up to $5,000, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477).