Pepper Spray Duo Strikes Again
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – A late-night shift turned violent on Monday when two masked robbers stormed a CVS in downtown St. Petersburg, attacking employees with pepper spray before fleeing with over $1,000 in merchandise.
The incident occurred just before midnight at the pharmacy located at 301 Third St. S. According to investigators, the pair entered the store around 11:45 p.m. One suspect aggressively forced their way behind the counter, shoving a salesclerk, while the other unleashed a chemical irritant—believed to be pepper spray—directly into the employee’s face.
When a second clerk attempted to step in and help, they were also doused with the spray.
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Police say this isn’t an isolated incident. This marks the third time this specific pair has targeted a store in the City of St. Petersburg since December 1. Detectives also believe the duo is connected to a string of similar robberies across the broader region.
Witnesses described the suspects as likely being in their 20s, both sporting long black braids and obscuring their faces with blue surgical masks. The suspect who physically shoved the clerk was seen wearing a grey sweatshirt, black joggers with white stripes, and tan Ugg-style boots. The accomplice who deployed the spray was dressed in a white long-sleeved top patterned with small red hearts, black joggers, and sandals.
The suspects managed to escape on foot. The St. Petersburg Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be called in at 727-893-7780 or sent via text by messaging SPPD plus the tip to TIP411.
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