Hunt on for SR-16 and I-95 robbery suspect

St. Johns County Sherriff David B. Shoar has asked Historic City News readers for their help in identifying a man that is being sought in connection with a strong armed robbery that occurred on Saturday afternoon in a motel room of the Best Western motel located at SR-16 and I-95.

The 41 year-old victim told deputies that she was standing on her balcony with the door to her room open when a man walked in. The victim thought the man was a motel employee and did not pay attention to him right away.

The victim said she looked back into the room from the balcony and observed the man prowling around in the bathroom area. She thought the man’s actions were suspicious and she said that she confronted him. According to the report, the man mumbled a few words then grabbed her purse and ran out of the room.

The robber left behind a plastic grocery bag with trash inside that was collected as evidence by detectives.

Sheriff’s spokesman Kevin Kelshaw told Historic City News that several other men were downstairs at the time of the robbery. The men are said to have chased the robber but unable to reach him. It is unknown if the men were with the robber who was last seen running in a southeast direction.

Deputies checked the area but were not able to locate the suspect who was described by the victim as a black man wearing a red shirt and long shorts. A newer model turquoise or aqua colored Dodge Challenger was spotted in the area at the time of the alleged incident.

The victim, who was traveling from Kentucky, reported that her purse and $3,000 were missing from the room. Anyone with any information concerning this subject is asked to contact the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at (904) 824-8304. You can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward by calling CrimeStoppers of N.E. Florida at 1-(888) 277-TIPS (8477).

Kelshaw reports that the investigation is continuing.