Suspect Points Gun at Deputies, Flips Vehicle Before Arrest

By Camille C. Spencer

Authorities are investigating an armed robbery that occurred on Sunday morning at a Steak n' Shake in Brandon.

Just before 7 a.m., someone wearing a black sweatshirt and hoodie walked into the restaurant at 1402 Brandon Boulevard and robbed the cashier at gunpoint, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

The suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money, according to HCSO.

 A few minutes later, a deputy searching the area saw the suspect getting into a vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the suspect drove off without stopping, according to HCSO.

A pursuit began that lasted about 10 minutes through Brandon-area roads, HCSO says.

During the pursuit, the suspect pointed a handgun, threatening deputies, HCSO says. The Aviation Unit from the sheriff's office got involved and assisted in the pursuit, which ended when the suspect's vehicle slid off the roadway and flipped upside down on State Road 60, about half a mile west of U.S. 301 in Tampa, HCSo says.

The uninjured suspect escaped on foot, but was tackled by deputies. 

Westbound traffic on SR 60 is closed while the investigation continues. Eastbound lanes are open.

Check Patch for updates on this story.