Man attempts to rob Lehigh Acres store

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla.- Authorities are searching for a man who tried to hold up a Lehigh Acres store Sunday night, but was foiled by an employee who pulled out his own gun and chased the suspect away.

Shortly after 6 p.m. on Sunday, officials say a white or Hispanic man entered the Grocery Discount Stores, located on the 5500 block of Lee Boulevard, and pointed a handgun at a store employee, demanding cash.

Authorities say the employee, who was also armed, pulled out his own gun on the suspect and chased him out of the store. The suspect was seen leaving with another person and heading southbound on Lee Boulevard.

The suspect is described as between 20-26 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches tall, with a heavy build. At the time of the robbery, he was wearing a black hooded Florida Marlins sweatshirt, black shorts, white shoes, black gloves and a white mask.

If you have any information, call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.