Palmetto police investigating another case involving three suspects stealing cigarettes

After the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said Friday that it was investigating a Sept. 7 robbery that involved three suspects who used trash bags to steal cigarettes, Palmetto police say another trio has robbed a local convenience store.

Around 4:30 a.m. Friday, three suspects entered the 7-Eleven in the 2600 block of Eighth Ave. W. According to a release, the suspects rushed into the store, scaring the cashier into the back. Carrying a black garbage can and black garbage bags, they went behind the counter and stuffed them with cigarettes.

A witness described the suspects as three young men who wore black clothing and white gloves. Video surveillance captured one of the suspects. Their getaway vehicle was described as a black Jeep Patriot that was last seen heading north on U.S. 41.

Anyone with information regarding the robbery is asked to contact the Palmetto Police Department at 941-721-2000 or Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-8477.