Employee attacked during Walmart robbery

Sheriff’s investigators are looking for two black men who stole three televisions and attacked a 61-year-old employee before making their escape from Walmart on US-1 South early this morning.

The two men, whose images were captured on surveillance video, entered the store at 4:20 a.m. A short time later, witnesses observed the men load a shopping cart with a 32″ and two 42″ flat screen televisions, valued at just under$1,000.

As the men made their way out the grocery door, without paying for the merchandise, a cashier yelled for them to stop. Another Walmart employee, a 61-year-old man, followed the men into the parking lot; calling several times for the men to stop.

The man pushing the cart stopped on the sidewalk and ran back towards the employee. When his attacker got within five feet, he sprayed pepper spray in the victim’s face.

Historic City News reporters were asked to announce the search for the two black men, one estimated to be about 5’5” tall, and the other about 6’ tall. The shorter suspect was wearing an “I Love Haters” ball cap. They were last seen getting into a white SUV — possibly a Suburban or a Yukon.

The victim was taken to Flagler Hospital where he was treated for exposure to oleoresin capsicum and released.

If anyone has any information concerning the identity of these individuals you are asked to contact Detective Andrew Stoinoff at the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office at (904) 209-3982. You can also remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward by calling CrimeStoppers of N.E. Florida at 1-(888) 277-TIPS (8477).