Armed suspect wearing helmet attempts to rob Manatee liquor store, flees scene

A man disguised with a full-faced motorcycle helmet pointed a gun at a Manatee County liquor store clerk and demanded money in an attempted robbery on Christmas Eve, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect struck the Palma Sola Discount Beverage store, 8530 Cortez Road W., at about 7:20 p.m. on Sunday.

He entered the store and pointed a shotgun at the clerk and demanded money but fled before taking anything, the sheriff’s office said.

The suspect is described by authorities as possibly a white male who was last seen wearing a gray, long-sleeve sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Responding deputies searched the area but didn’t locate the suspect Sunday evening. No injuries were reported.

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

This story was originally published December 24, 2017 at 9:23 PM with the headline "Armed suspect wearing helmet attempts to rob Manatee liquor store, flees scene."