Sketch released of armed robber who targeted Orange Co. Walmart

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County deputies are asking the public's help in finding a bold crook behind a crime spree at a crowded Walmart.

Authorities said the thief barged into the store on Clarcona Ocoee Road armed with a gun, and they believe he may behind a similar crime at the same store.

Detectives said the robbery went down last month in the liquor store portion of the business and the armed robber went right to the clerk.

"It's not desolate. It's busy. I mean, even at 9 p.m. there's a gas station, lots of traffic, a lot of cars coming and going," said Detective Granger Prunier.

Robbery investigators said the victim recently helped a sketch artist create a composite image of the robber.

"This person was very brazen to do this," said Prunier. "If another citizen could have walked in there, it could have been much worse."

Detectives believe they're looking for a serial robber and they think the same guy hit the same Walmart last month.

In that case, the man made off with cash and some liquor.

"These guys are cowards. That's why they need guns, to remind you to do their thing," said Prunier. "We'll catch them. We just need the public's help."

Authorities believe the same bold crook could also be tied to other robberies in the county.

The robber is described as a Hispanic man, about 19 years old. He stands about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs roughly 170 pounds. The robber was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt over his head with a turquoise baseball cap and blue jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

WFTV