Crime & Safety

Couple Uses Kid to Rip Off Ron Jon, Hooters, Police Say

Clearwater Police are asking the public for help to identify a couple of suspects who used a 10-year old boy to help steal from Ron Jon Surf Shop and Hooters on Clearwater Beach.

Clearwater Police are asking the public for help to identify a couple of suspects who used a young boy to help steal clothes and purses from Ron Jon Surf Shop and Hooters on Clearwater Beach.

Two adults and the young boy were seen stealing items and stashing them in a baby stroller Sunday at Ron Jon Surf Shop, 377 Mandalay Blvd., according to Clearwater Police. 

Surveillance video also shows the boy going upstairs to Hooters, 381 Mandalay Blvd., and taking purses from a back room of the restaurant around 5:30 p.m., according to police. The suspects then direct the boy, who is believed to be about 10-years old, to put the purses in the stroller, as well.

A stolen debit card was used at the Target, 2747 Gulf to Bay Blvd., around 6:30 p.m., according to investigators.

The adult male suspect is about 5 feet 10 inches and believed to be 30 to 35 years old. He has a shaved head, weighs about 190 pounds and was last seen wearing gray shorts and a black Ron Jon T-shirt that was stolen from the store.

The female suspect is believed to be 30 to 35 years old and was last seen wearing a bright green shirt and gray or brown capris. She is about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 200 pounds.

The juvenile was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and gray shorts.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Clearwater Police at 727-562-4242.


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