West Hillsborough News

From February 14, 2023 post.

Detectives continue to ask for the public's assistance in locating the suspect who attempted to rob a bank in Valrico on February 10, 2023. Investigators are releasing video of the suspect inside the bank, and him walking in front of a gas station next door. In the second video clip, the suspect can be seen walking with a bag in hand, believed to hold what later appeared to be a pipe bomb, into the bank. Investigators found no incendiary device in the bag left behind.

Anyone with information about this case or who the suspect may be is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.

https://loom.ly/pAiV3I0

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February 10, 2023

Detectives are looking for a suspect who attempted to rob a bank in Valrico.

On February 10, 2023, at approximately 2 p.m., a suspect entered the Truist Bank at 3511 Bell Shoals Road with a gray bag and what appeared to be a pipe bomb. He demanded an undisclosed amount of money, before exiting the bank, and leaving behind the bag. He was last seen walking east and then north out of the bank. He left without taking any cash. No bank employees or customers were injured.

A neighboring school, Navigator Academy, was placed on a brief lockdown, out of an abundance of caution, but was later cleared without incident.

"I commend the quick response from our deputies to the scene, and their devotion to protecting the victims in this violent crime," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our job is not done, as we work diligently, with the public's help, to find this suspect and put him away, so he doesn't terrorize our community anymore."

The suspect in this attempted bank robbery is described as a white male, about 5'09 - 5'11 tall, 180 lbs, with gray hair. He was last seen wearing a green and camouflaged shirt, light blue jeans, and a black cap. There is a photo of the suspect attached for the media to use in this press release.

This investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.

Original source can be found here.