November 5, 2007
Brandon Haught
Public Information Office

ROBBERY ATTEMPT SUSPECT IDENTIFIED 

A mask covered the face of a man who had attempted to rob a convenience store near Orange City Oct. 27, but his uncovered hands left behind all the evidence needed to identify him. Marcus Jackson had shown a hold-up note to the store clerk, but left it behind when he fled empty-handed. The fingerprints on that note led to an arrest warrant for the 18-year-old, and now Volusia County Sheriff’s investigators are seeking the public’s help in finding him. 

The robber had an unsuccessful night when he entered the Kangaroo Express, at 1701 N. Volusia Ave., at approximately 11:30 p.m. wearing a Halloween mask made popular by the Scream movie series. While wearing the mask he waited for his turn at the register and even spoke with a customer. He finally showed his note to the cashier, but the victim didn’t comply with the robber’s demands for money even after the robber implied he had a weapon. The robber then jumped the counter and tried to open the register, but without luck. He gave up and ran out of the business, and witnesses saw him get into a truck. While driving away, the suspect apparently lost control of the vehicle and got it stuck along the side of the road. However, he was then able to get away on foot. It was later determined that the getaway truck had been stolen in DeLand. 

Investigators were able to gather quite a bit of evidence, including the robbery note left behind on the store counter. The fingerprint match led to an arrest warrant obtained on Friday charging Jackson with attempted robbery with a $20,000 bond. 

Jackson is a black male, about 6’ tall and 165 pounds. He was short black hair and brown eyes. His last known address was 502 Howry Ave., DeLand, but he hasn’t been seen there in a couple of months. 

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to contact Investigator Chuck Lee at (386) 668-3830 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida toll-free at 1-888-277-TIPS. Callers to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $1,000. 

Previous news release and surveillance video of the robbery can be found here: http://www.volusia.org/sheriff/press/070189.htm