Early morning robbery has detectives looking for leads to find the suspect.
Today at approximately 1:50 a.m., a desk clerk working at the Econolodge, located at 5665 Cypress Gardens Blvd. in Winter Haven had a terrifying experience when a man wearing a black face mask entered the lobby area and demanded money from the clerk.
As the suspect approached the counter and jumped over, the clerk ran to a back bathroom and hid while calling 9-1-1. The clerk did not see a weapon and there were no injuries.
The male, possibly in his mid-twenties is described as a light-skinned black male wearing a jacket with an orange hood, dark pants, gray shoes and a black face mask. He left the area possibly in a red or maroon 4-door pickup truck with a silver stripe on the side.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Shane Ditty at 863-280-5225. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.


