Wallet stolen when man attacked in restroom

St. Johns County Sheriff David B. Shoar has asked Historic City News readers to come forward and help identify an armed robber who investigators believe attacked a 40 year-old local man in a restroom near the Food Court at the St. Augustine Premium Outlet Mall located at 2700 SR-16.

While the victim was drying his hands in the men’s restroom at about 2:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, he told deputies that he was approached from behind and felt someone trying to lift his wallet from his pants pocket.

The victim attempted to exit the restroom; however, the assailant slammed his own body against the door and began striking the victim with his fists. The victim fought back until the robber brandished a handgun.

With the gun pointed in the victim’s face, the assailant threatened both the victim and his children — who were outside with their mother. The robber demanded, and took the victim’s wallet; then fled the area, on foot, northbound from the Food Court.

The robber was described as a black man in his late 30’s to mid 40’s, 6’1” tall, 250-280 pounds with short hair. He was wearing a red polo shirt, with a collar, and a pair of blue jeans.

According to the victim, the robber may have had an accomplice. The victim described a second black man — who was in the restroom at the time of the incident and who he says “appeared to communicate” with the robber. The second man was about 6’1” tall, about 160 pounds. He was wearing a blue t-shirt and blue jeans. He is said to have left the scene at the same time as the robber.

Aided by the victim’s description, Deputy Vinnie Russo was able to produce the composite image of the robbery suspect shown in this news article.

Detective David Garns told Historic City News that, based on preliminary investigative leads, it is possible that the robber may have contacts in Northside Jacksonville’s Edgewood Avenue or Moncrief Road area.

Anyone with information concerning this crime 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 Northeast Florida at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477).