Video: Suspect robs jewelry store in University Mall in Tampa

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance to help locate a man who robbed a jewelry store inside University Mall on Tuesday morning.

At approximately 10:40 a.m., a white male suspect wearing a hoodie entered the Zales Jewelry Store located at 2251 University Square Mall in Tampa carrying a handgun and a black backpack. The suspect pointed the firearm at two employees, demanding one employee to get on the ground and the other employee to assist him with loading the backpack with jewelry. The targeted jewelry case consisted of men’s rings. A total of 69 men’s rings were stolen, valuing more than $100,000.

The suspect fled the store on foot, exiting the south side of the mall and driving away in an unknown make and model silver sedan. He was last seen driving eastbound on Fowler Avenue.

The suspect is described as a white male approximately 20 to 25 years old, 5’5” to 5’8” with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a white hooded sweatshirt, dark gray sweat pants, black and white athletic shoes and a black watch on his left wrist.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect or who has information on this incident is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office by calling 813-247-8200. To be eligible for a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477).

HCSO,