Surveillance video of armed robbery released

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Police released surveillance video of the man they believe is responsible for two robberies in two different counties.

The robberies happened early Monday morning at convenience stores in Palatka and St. Augustine. The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office released surveillance video from the armed robbery that happened at the Race Trac gas station on State Road 207 in St. Augustine Monday morning. They are hoping the surveillance pictures will catch the armed robber.

"Two things we are looking for: the public's assistance in the identity of the suspect, the identity of the witness in this incident," said St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Catherine Payne.

One camera angle shows the man holding a gun in his right hand. The video then shows store clerks calmly opening the cash register to put money in a plastic bag. When the cash is loaded the man leaves and the clerks call police.

Deputies said they believe the female customer shown in the video could give police a better description of the male armed robber. 

Police in Palatka told Channel 4 the robber's mannerisms and clothing matches the description of the person who robbed a convenience store in another county.

"It's very possible the suspect could strike again. It may not be in this same area, but it's always a possibility," said Palatka Police Department's James Griffith. 

Police said the clerks in the St. Johns County store did the right thing by following the armed robber's commands and giving him exactly what he wanted.

Anyone with information on the robberies is urged to call Crime Stoppers in St. Johns County at 1-888-277-TIPS.