Crime & Safety

Sketch of Shooter Released by Pasco Sheriff's Office

The detective in charge of the case is appealing to the entire Tampa Bay area for help in finding the suspect.

Central Pasco residents are being asked for help to identify the man wanted in connection with a shooting at On Point Fashions in New Port Richey earlier this month.

On Wednesday, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office released a composite sketch of the suspect who walked into the store, 4309 U.S. 19, Sept. 16 and .

"This guy is extremely dangerous,” said Pasco Sheriff's Office Detective Jim Gariepy. “He needs to be arrested."

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According to a sheriff’s office media release, the suspect walked up to a customer and said, “Give me your necklace." As the customer was trying to remove it, the suspect tried to rip it off him. Then the suspect shot him.

The victim fell to to the ground and pretended to be dead. The suspect ran out of the store. The victim is shaken up but OK, Gariepy said.

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Deputies describe the suspect as a black male between the age of 20 and 30. He was last seen wearing a long-sleeve white shirt, long shorts, black shoes, an earring and had a black cloth on his head. He is approximately 6 foot 1 inch tall. The man arrived at the store as a passenger in a dark blue Chevy Cobalt.

The suspect was wearing an Orlando Magic cap that can only be purchased in the Bay area, Gariepy said.

The sheriff’s office has also released an image of the suspect’s distinct Nike shoes. It had already released video of the suspect at the store.

The suspect may not be from New Port Richey, so the Sheriff’s Office is appealing to residents throughout the Tampa Bay area for help in finding him.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to contact at 1-800-854-2862, Ext. 7279. If he is seen on the street, call 911.


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