Masked men rob Tampa Sonic

TAMPA -- Police are searching for two masked men and their getaway driver after a Sonic restaurant was robbed at gunpoint this morning.

Tampa Police say that at 6:20 a.m., a blue Crown Victoria drove up to the Sonic at 2523 N Dale Mabry Hwy. Two men, wearing dark ski suits and ski masks got out of the car and approached the store manager and an employee who were sitting outside.

At gunpoint, the men forced the employees inside, police say. One suspect ordered the manager to open the safe, while the other removed the cash drawer from the drive-thru register. The employee was ordered to lay face down on the floor.

Before they left, police say one suspect shot at the store manager, who was hit in the right foot. The manager was later transported to St. Joseph's Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

The suspects fled into the car, and drove eastbound on Beach Street.

Police are urging anyone with information to call Crimestoppers, at 1-800-873-TIPS.

-- Alexandra Zayas, Times Staff

Home invasion suspect arrested

PINELLAS PARK --Pinellas County deputies have arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with an armed-robbery home invasion in which one of the victims was struck with a gun. One of the residents opened the front door of the home at 7166 61st Street N in unincorporated Pinellas Park after the suspect, Matthew S. Hixon, arrived at the home around 3 a.m. deputies say.  Brandishing a handgun, Hixon pushed his way inside and demanded cash from the three residents. After hitting one of the victims with the gun, Hixon fled in the in a green 1995 Ford Aerostar van with an undisclosed amount of cash. Deputies say the victims and the suspect knew each other. Hixon was arrested about two and a half hours later on counts of home invasion robbery, aggravated assault with a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated battery and possession of marijuana. He was also charged with violating probation on an unrelated charge of felony possession of marijuana.

--Lorri Helfand, Times Staff Writer 

Victim turns gun on Tampa robber

TAMPA -- A robber ended up on the other side of his gun Saturday night when one of his victims seized the weapon and held the man until police arrived.

Tampa Police say Jerome Haggins, 42, walked into the house at 1801 1/2 N Nebraska Ave at 11 p.m. and ordered six men to the ground, and to give up their wallets and jewelry. Then, he asked them to disrobe.

Police say Haggins noticed one of the men had not handed over his bracelet, so he threatened to kill him. He put his pistol on a table, walked over to the man and snatched his bracelet.

Meanwhile, police say, another victim took advantage of the moment and picked up the gun, turning it on the robber. It was Haggins, then, who was ordered to the ground until poilce arrived. He refused to speak to officers.

Haggins, of 2802 Lake Ave E, was charged with six counts of armed robbery, felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm. He remains at Orient Road Jail with no bond.

-- Alexandra Zayas, Times Staff