Man accused of stealing from elderly veteran at gas station

The search continues for a suspect accused of robbing an 87-year-old military veteran at a local gas station.

The Pasco County Sheriff's Office released surveillance video of the crime this week. It happened around noon on July 3, 2015 at the Citgo gas station on State Road 52.

According to investigators, the suspect approached the victim and offered help pumping gas.

Deputies say Stormes waited at the car, and once the suspect pumped his gas, authorities say he reached through the window, stole the elderly man's military identification and a bank envelope with $400.

The victim, Franklin Stormes, spoke to FOX 13. He says he felt helpless when the thief took his envelope full of cash because he couldn't give chase.

Stormes had a 28-year career with the Air Force.

"I busted my rear end on B-36's and B-52's," he said.

Stormes says he was most concerned about his military ID being stolen. Now he worries he'll have to spend nearly an entire day at MacDill to replace it.

"I'd tell him to get a job and work for his money instead of trying to steal from somebody, but I eventually hope that they catch him and put him in the slammer for a while," Stormes added.

The suspect left on a bicycle traveling south on Meadow Drive.

Deputies ask anyone with information about the suspect's identity or location to contact the Pasco County Sheriff's Office Tips Line at 1-800-706-2480.