Man Pistol-Whips Elderly Clerk, Robs Liquor Store

A 72-year-old female clerk was pistol-whipped and a liquor robbed by a man on Monday night and Polk County Sheriff’s deputies would like the public’s help in identifying the suspect.

Investigators say, the black man entered the XYZ Liquor store located at 2190 US Highway 92 in Lakeland around 9:45 p.m.and purchased 12 Black & Mild cigars, paying in cash.

The man left the store, then returned 15 minutes later, asking the clerk for a bottle of gin.  When the clerk opened the cash register, the male suspect demanded money and hit the elderly clerk in the head with a dark colored handgun.

Investigators say, the gun discharged as the elderly female clerk was struck, but she was not shot.

The suspect removed an undisclosed amount of cash from the register, then fled on foot.  He is described as a black male in is 30s, approximately 6 feet tall, weighing about 160 pounds.  The suspect was last seen wearing black pant, a t-shirt, sunglasses and a knit cap.

Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863.298.6200 or Detective Kenjamin Libby at 863.287.4551.