Authorities are currently searching for two individuals involved in an attempted armed robbery that took place at the Ellenton Outlet Mall. The incident occurred yesterday afternoon when two masked men entered the Gold Palace Jewelry store. According to FOX 13 News, the suspects were armed with at least one handgun. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office stated that the suspects shot at an employee, thankfully missing everyone present during the traumatic moment.
During the confrontation, a different store employee fired back at the assailants, although their shots did not meet any targets, as reported by WTSP. In an attempt to secure the area, an off-duty deputy, who was at the mall, swiftly entered the store after hearing the gunshots. The suspects fled the scene before the deputy could capture them, escaping in a silver Toyota Highlander.
Witnessing the assailants, the off-duty deputy wearing civilian attire reacted in minutes and pursued the suspects. He even managed to gather new information regarding their physical descriptions, "wearing blue FED-Ex-style shirts," detailed WFLA. No items were stolen from the store, and none of the employees or patrons were physically injured during the attempted robbery.
However, reports claim that emergency medical services were called for an individual inside the jewelry store who experienced a medical episode shortly after the incident. The ongoing investigation by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office aims to apprehend the two suspects.
