Robbery and shooting at Applebees

A male suspect is being sought in connection with a robbery and shooting at a SR 312 restaurant late Sunday night according to a media alert received by Historic City News this morning.

Deputies responded to a report of a shooting of the female manager of Applebees at 11:15 p.m. Sunday.

The 54-year old victim had sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was transported to nearby Flagler Hospital. She was then taken by air ambulance to Shands Jacksonville for further treatment of non life-threatening injuries.

She was speaking with detectives early this morning.

The victim stated that she was in the back room by herself when she was confronted by a male subject who grabbed her by the throat and held a gun to her head while demanding money. The victim began to struggle with the suspect and at some point the robber fired at least one shot at the victim — striking her in the leg.

The suspect fled out of the door in an unknown direction. The amount of money stolen from the restaurant, if any, had not yet been determined as of the time of this alert from SJSO Media Relations Officer Kevin Kelshaw.

Deputies responded quickly to the scene, according to Kelshaw, but they were unable to locate the suspect. A Sheriff’s Office K-9 deputy and her bloodhound tracked a scent from the restaurant to the rear of Big Lots across the street but were unable to locate any additional evidence.

The suspect was described as a black male, 5’9” tall. He was said to be wearing a red ski cap, black sweatshirt and blue jeans.

If you were traveling on S.R. 312 between U.S. 1 and the Intracoastal Waterway between 11:00-11:20 p.m. and observed a subject running from the area, detectives would like to hear from you. You can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward by calling CrimesStoppers of North Florida at 1-(888) 277-TIPS (8477).

Anyone with any information concerning this investigation is asked to contact the Violent Crimes Unit at the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation is continuing.