Manatee sheriff's office releases photo of armed man in attempted robbery

MANATEE -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has released a photo of a masked gunman who tried to rob a 7-Eleven at 5:44 a.m. Tuesday, but left when he didn't see anyone.

The man walked into the 7-Eleven at 3515 53rd Ave. W., according to the release. A 56-year-old store clerk saw the gunman enter, look around and leave.

Deputies arrived on scene shortly afterward. No one was injured.

He was described as a masked man about 6-foot, wearing a blue hoodie and blue jeans.

Sheriff's office spokesman Dave Bristow sent the photo to local media outlets shortly before 2:30 p.m., saying the photo is "not great, but better than nothing."

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged by the sheriff's office to call 941-747-3011, ext. 2513, or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.

This story was originally published February 25, 2016 at 3:07 PM with the headline "Manatee sheriff's office releases photo of armed man in attempted robbery ."