Armed 'Painter' Robs Brandon Publix

BRANDON, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is looking for help identifying a man its deputies say held up a Brandon Boulevard Publix store Monday morning.

According to the agency, a man armed with a handgun walked into the under construction 939 W. Brandon Blvd. store around 8:20 a.m. The man, who was wearing a painter’s outfit and blue mask, proceeded to the customer service counter where he asked to speak with a manager.

When the manager responded, the man demanded cash from the safe, an email from the sheriff’s office said. The manager handed over an undisclosed amount of money and the man left without further incident, the agency noted.

The suspect deputies are looking for is described as a black male with a medium complexion. He stands about 5 feet, 10 inches in height and weighs an estimated 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing a painter’s outfit that covered his arms, leg and head. He also had on gloves, shoe booties and a blue mask, the sheriff’s office said. He was carrying a medium-sized maroon bag, which contained the handgun.

The suspect may be driving a mid-2000 silver Lexus, the sheriff's office said.

Anyone with information about the man’s identity is asked to call the Hillsborough sheriff’s office at 813-247-8200. Tips may also be called into Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS. Those who call Crime Stoppers first may be eligible for a cash reward. Anonymous tips may also be reported online at www.crimestopperstb.com or via the P3 Tips Mobile app.

Surveillance photos courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

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