The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office announced on April 20 that detectives are investigating a shooting with injuries following an armed robbery at the Mega Arcade, located at 7321 N. Tamiami Trail.
According to the sheriff’s office, the incident took place around 5:48 a.m. when an unknown masked suspect entered the gambling business and demanded cash from customers at gunpoint. During the confrontation, one customer refused to comply and was shot multiple times by the suspect at close range.
The on-duty manager responded by retrieving a handgun from an office and firing one round in the direction of the suspect, who then fled the scene. The suspect has not been located as of this report.
Authorities said that a 44-year-old male victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately six feet tall, wearing a ski mask. No further description is available.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office or reach out anonymously through Manatee County Crime Stoppers for eligibility for a cash reward.
