Video Released of Armed Robbery Suspects

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a string of armed robberies that began in September and continued with the most recent hit on Monday night.

The spree began about three weeks ago when the Three Oaks Bar at 3503 U.S. 301 N. in Ellenton was struck by armed robberies. The next hit occurred on Oct. 1 when Bradenton’s Oasis Bar, 6006 Manatee Ave. W., was robbed at gunpoint.

The third crime in the possible spree occurred on Oct. 3 at Bubba’s Too, 5435 15th St. E, in Bradenton. Surveillance video from Bubba’s Too has been released by the agency in an effort to catch the men involved.

The fourth crime in the possible spree occurred Monday night when Scalawags at 1112 Whitfield Ave. was robbed by three men with covered faces. The men were armed with handguns, demanded money from staff and patrons. After they were given cash, the sheriff’s office said, the three men fled the scene.

At this time, detectives say the robberies appear to be connected, but they can’t say for sure the same people are responsible.

Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 941-747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.