ST. PETERSBURG — Two masked individuals pepper-sprayed salesclerks during a robbery late Monday night at a CVS store located at 301 Third St. S., according to police.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:45 p.m. when the two suspects entered the store wearing face masks. Investigators say one suspect forced their way behind the counter and pushed a salesclerk. The second suspect then sprayed the clerk in the face with a substance believed to be pepper spray. A second clerk who attempted to intervene was also sprayed.
Police said the suspects fled the store on foot with more than $1,000 in merchandise.
Authorities believe this is the third robbery linked to the same suspects in St. Petersburg since December 1. They are also suspected of being involved in additional robberies at other stores in the region.
Both suspects were described as possibly in their 20s with long black braids and wearing blue surgical masks. One suspect wore a long-sleeved gray sweatshirt, black joggers with white stripes, and tan Ugg-style boots. The second suspect wore a long-sleeved white top with small red hearts, black joggers, and sandals.
Surveillance video of the incident has been released and is available.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780 or text SPPD followed by a tip to TIP411.