Armed robber attacked 77-year-old gas station clerk, Florida deputies say

LAKELAND, Fla. (FOX 13) - Polk County detectives are searching for an armed robber who attacked a 77-year-old female employee, they said.

The incident occurred Monday just before 2 a.m. at the Circle K store, located at 3100 Galloway Road North in Lakeland. The unidentified man was seen in surveillance entering the store during the time that the elderly woman was working.

The suspect was seen approaching the woman who was standing behind the counter, and then shoving her to the floor. Detectives said he put a pocket knife up to her face, grabbed a handful of coins and shoved her again. Then, he fled, they said.

The female clerk was not seriously injured, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Officials hope someone can help identify him and shared the surveillance video on the agency's Facebook page, writing in part, "Caution…the following story and video will make you mad. It certainly made us angry" and calling the suspect the "worst person in Polk County this week."

The suspect was also seen outside the store for a few minutes, using his cell phone, prior to the robbery, detectives said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Anderson at 863-298-6200. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Heartland Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-226-8477 or going online www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.

The full surveillance video issed by the Polk County Sheriff's Office can be viewed below: