Deputies: Robbery suspect threatens 7-11 employees with gun-shaped hand, takes condoms and snacks

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. - A Manatee man was arrested after stealing snacks and condoms from a 7-11 while threatening employees with his fingers in the shape of a gun, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report.

Roger Crawford, 42, had gotten out of jail about a month ago when he walked into the convenience store, located at 6886 15th Street East, Friday morning.

Authorities said he began taking items from coolers and shelves then hid them in his clothes.

When the store clerk watched Crawford, he said, “Why are you watching me?”

As he continued to rob the store, he pointed his fingers toward employees in a gun-shape and said, “I know you.”

He stole a cheeseburger, Four Loko drink, a Red Bull drink and condoms before leaving the store.

When the suspect left, a deputy walked into the store and the clerks told him about the robbery.

The deputy went outside to stop Crawford and begin an investigation. As the deputy observed Crawford, he noticed an orange can under the suspect’s shirt.

Crawford then ran from the deputy toward Whitefield Avenue.  A perimeter was set and a K-9 dog tracked down the suspect and apprehended him. He was found hiding behind a shed 150 yards away.

The orange Four Loko can was found where Crawford was hiding and the cheeseburger, still warm, was found near the path Crawford ran.

Crawford was charged with strong armed robbery.