Masked man shoots customer in Manatee County arcade holdup, deputies say
Detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred in a Manatee County arcade on Monday morning, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
At 5:48 a.m., an unidentified, masked man walked into the Mega Arcade, 7321 U.S. 41 South (Tamiami Trail), and held customers at gunpoint, demanding that they give him cash, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
“During the incident, one customer refused to comply and became involved in a struggle with the suspect,” the release said. “The suspect then shot the victim multiple times at close range.”
The altercation ended when amanager got a handgun out of an office and fired a round in the man’s direction, causing him to flee the arcade, deputies say.
The man has not yet been located, according to the release.
Anyone with information can contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, contact Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS or visit ManateeCrimeStoppers.com.
This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 11:19 AM.
