Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying two black males who robbed a couple at gunpoint while they were trying to make a cash deposit at a Palm Beach Boulevard ATM.
On Friday, January 5th, around 1 a.m., the victims were attempting to deposit cash at an ATM at the Suncoast Schools Credit Union, located at 14021 Palm Beach Boulevard, when they were approached by two men who were brandishing dark semi-automatic pistols. The male driver stated that one of the suspects walked up to his car door and pointed a gun at him, then grabbed the cash he was about to deposit. After the suspect had the cash in hand, he attempted to withdraw money out of the ATM, however was unsuccessful. The second suspect then tapped the passenger side window with his gun and ordered the female passenger to hand over her purse. In fear for her life, she complied. After having both the cash and purse in hand, the suspects told the victims to remove the key from the car’s ignition and throw it on the ground. The suspects fled on foot northbound towards Palm Beach Boulevard. As soon as the suspects started to run away, the male driver exited the vehicle and drew his Smith and Wesson .380 and started to chase after the suspects, while the female passenger called 9-1-1. One of the suspects fired at least one shot at the victim and he, in turn, returned fire. Neither the suspect nor the victim were injured. The suspects eventually headed westbound on Palm Beach Boulevard and turned right on an unknown street and managed to escape sight. They may possibly have left the area in a blue SUV waiting nearby.
The first suspect is described as a black male, 5’10”, 160 pounds, approximately 25 years old, wearing a red and white long sleeved hooded sweater with his face covered and carrying a silver and black pistol. The second suspect is 5’7”, 130 pounds, roughly 20 years old, wearing a grey long sleeved hooded sweatshirt, carrying a brown and black pistol.
Anyone with information on the identities and whereabouts of the suspects are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.