Robber stole $1,500, locks victim inside Sarasota laundromat bathroom, police say

Sarasota police detectives are searching for a suspect who entered a laundromat, and robbed the business owner's daughter.

The incident occurred around 8 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. In surveillance video, released by the Sarasota Police Department, the unidentified suspect, possibly a female, is seen entering Colonial Laundry and Dry Cleaning, located at 290 North Lime Avenue. 

The suspect walked into the business and spoke to the victim. Soon after, the suspect showed the victim a note asking the victim to hand over all of her money. There was a brief struggle as the victim tried to quickly walk away from the suspect. The suspect took $1,500 and locked the owner's daughter inside a bathroom before fleeing.

The suspect is believed to be a female, between 5’10 and 6 feet tall. She was last seen wearing a red-and-white track suit, sunglasses, a wig, and had on a clear mask while inside the business.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Jessica Sullivan at 941-954-7076 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-8477 or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.