Video Released of Armed Robbery Spree

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an armed crime spree that began early Wednesday morning in Lutz.

According to the agency, the first crime occurred just before 2 a.m. when the Taco Bell at 22744 State Road 54 was paid a visit by a man who walked up to the drive-thru window and brandished a gun at an employee. Nothing was taken in that incident and no injuries were reported.

The same man, deputies believe, is responsible for two armed robberies that occurred a short time later. The first robbery was reported at the CVS, 1929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel at 6:20 a.m. In that case, a masked man went inside the store, armed with a gun, and demanded cash. After getting money, he fled on foot, the sheriff’s office wrote in an email to media.

Around 7:50 a.m. Wednesday, a masked and armed man went to the Mobil gas station at 24929 State Road 54 and demanded cash. In that case, deputies say the man fled in a small blue, two-door vehicle.

Detectives believe all three incidents may be connected. They also say it’s likely a second suspect was involved even though only one man approached the businesses.

A video showing the suspects in the spree was released late Wednesday afternoon.

Anyone who witnessed the crimes or has information related to them is asked to call the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office at 727-847-8102 or 1-800-706-2488. Anonymous tips may also be submitted by using the “Submit Tip” tab on the upper right corner of the sheriff’s office website homepage at www.pascosheriff.com.

No further details are being released at this time.

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