Gainesville police search for man accused of attacking, robbing store employee

Surveillance video captures armed robbery outside Gainesville business

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Police are asking for the public's help identifying a man who was seen on surveillance video attacking another man and taking his wallet on Sunday night, according to the Gainesville Police Department.

Sunday's sneak attack was caught on camera, and the footage released by police on Wednesday shows the victim being pistol-whipped during the robbery.

News4Jax crime and safety analyst Gil Smith watched the video, and explained how others can protect themselves in similar situations. 

About 10 p.m. Sunday, police said, the victim was locking up the Tail Gator Beverage store on Southwest 20th Avenue when a man ran up, knelt behind the victim's car parked in the back of the business and waited. 

In the surveillance video, police said, the victim can be seen walking to his car and that's when the attacker jumps out, demands that the victim hand over his wallet and then strikes the victim in the back of the head with a gun.

The video shows the victim spending several seconds outside his car before the attack. Smith said that gives an attacker too much opportunity. 

UNCUT: Surveillance video captures armed robbery

"You want to have your keys in your hand," Smith said. "First thing you want to do is unlock the car as quickly as possible. Look around to see if someone may be on the side of the car or upfront. Then, as soon as you can, very quickly, don't spend a lot of time on the outside. Once you have your door unlocked, open the door and go in as quickly as possible." 

Smith said Sunday's incident is another example of why business owners and employees should park where there is more visibility. 

"The main thing is to not be predictable," he said. "Don't come out and park in the same place every day, because if someone is scouting out, they know what time you're coming out and it's always a little safer if you're not parking your personal car in the rear if no one is there to see you."

Police said the attacker, who was wearing a black hoodie and gloves, ran off before officers arrived.

Anyone with information is urged to call GPD Detective J. Castor at 352-393-7681. Anonymous information can be provided by calling Crime Stoppers at 352-372-STOP or by texting keyword GPDFL plus a tip to 274637.