MEN ROB BAR NEAR DELAND

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a robbery of a bar near DeLand early Monday morning. Two employees and one customer were in the bar when at least two men entered through the front door. At least one of the suspects was armed with a gun and fired a warning shot that didn’t strike anyone. The suspects demanded cash, which one of the employees handed over, and the robbers then fled on foot across the street. No one was injured.

The robbery happened at approximately 12:30 a.m. at Pat’s Place, 1204 E. New York Ave. When the suspects walked in, one gunman fired a gunshot and shouted, “Everyone give me your money!” One of the men with a gun guarded the door while another robber confronted an employee, demanding she hand over the business’ cash. After she did so, the robber took a male customer’s wallet. The suspects then ran out of the bar and north towards the woods across the street. Within two minutes of being dispatched, the first of about 20 deputies and DeLand Police officers arrived on scene and began a search for the suspects with the help of a Sheriff’s Office helicopter and K9 units. It is believed that the suspects fled the area in a vehicle.

The robbers had their faces covered and were wearing black shirts and blue jeans. One was approximately 6’1” and the other was 5’8”. Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (386) 943-7866 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida, toll-free, at (888) 277-TIPS. Tipsters can also provide information by texting “TIP231 plus the message” to CRIMES. Anyone who provides information to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $1,000.