Sarasota detectives release video of liquor store robbery

SARASOTA -- Sarasota Police Detectives need help identifying the gunman who robbed a Sarasota liquor store.

At about 10 p.m. April 3, Sarasota police were called out to Sarasota Wine and Liquor, 1303 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota to reports of a robbery in progress, according to a news release.

When police arrived the clerk told them a man had come into the store and approached him while he was taking the trash out, sparking a friendly conversation, according to the report. When the clerk got behind the counter, the suspect brandished a firearm that was in his front right pants pocket and demanded money from the register.

While the gun was never pointed at the clerk, police were told the suspect pounded on the counter as he demanded the cash.

After being handed an undisclosed amount of cash by the clerk, the suspect left.

The robber was wearing a long sleeve, dark-colored hoodie with the hood over his head, light blue pants and white sneakers. He is said to be between 6 feet one inch to 6 feet two inches tall and has a heavy build.

Anyone with information on this case can call Detective Maria Llovio at 941-364-7336 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.

This story was originally published April 14, 2016 at 2:49 PM with the headline "Sarasota detectives release video of liquor store robbery ."