Manatee deputies looking for 2 men who tried to rob couple in Palmetto home invasion

MANATEE -- An intruder followed a 76-year-old woman into her home early Thursday, implied he had a gun and demanded money from her, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The woman exited her home on Lakeview Drive in Palmetto at 6:40 a.m. to take out the trash, according to a release. When she walked back into her home, a man in his 20s, 6-feet tall, clean shaven and wearing a ball cap, jeans and a dark grey sweatshirt followed her inside, according to a news release.

The man demanded money and implied that he had a firearm, but the woman never actually saw one, deputies said.

The woman's 78-year-old husband heard the commotion and confronted the man, and a scuffle ensued, according to a release. The man then ran away on foot and the couple called law enforcement.

Deputies later said they believe an accomplice was with the man, whose picture was captured earlier at a convenience store. The main suspect also took cash and property from a vehicle that belonged to the victims.

Deputies were unable to locate him. Anyone with information can call the sheriff's office at 941-747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS.

This story was originally published January 14, 2016 at 2:18 PM with the headline "Manatee deputies looking for 2 men who tried to rob couple in Palmetto home invasion ."