ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Altamonte Springs police believe they've caught the man they said bashed a Seminole County Publix clerk over the head with a bottle during a violent robbery.
Investigators released a surveillance of Wednesday morning’s robbery, which happened at a liquor store that is part of the grocery store chain.
"He approached the counter like he was going to make a purchase, then basically struck her in the head," said Robert Pelton, with the Altamonte Springs Police Department.
Police said the man, whom they have not identified, struck the female clerk several times during the 11 a.m. attack.
Police said the man then took cash from the register drawer and left the store. He rode away on a bicycle through a crowded parking lot.
"Someone who would do this is very desperate and pathetic -- to strike a female in the face to get some cash out of a register," said Pelton.
Investigators said the clerk suffered some swelling to her face and was treated by emergency crews at the scene.
Police said a construction worker saw the man and noticed cash falling out of his pockets.
According to police, officers found the bicycle near a condominium complex a short distance from the store.
Resident Joseph Osgood saw officers converge on his neighborhood.
"They were looking around with dogs (and) found a bike over here, and to have that stuff going on in my neighborhood scares the lights out of me. I have a baby on the way," said Osgood.
Some witnesses told police they believe they have seen the man before.
Police said the same suspect robbed a Casselberry 7-Eleven a few hours later.
When officers caught up to him, they thought he looked similar to the surveillance photo released from the Publix robbery and quickly made the connection.
WFTV
