Would-be robber flees after threatening woman with knife

Detectives are investigating a Thursday incident at the Publix parking lot in Marathon in which a man threatened a woman with a knife and demanded money.

The man’s identity and whereabouts are still under investigation.

The 69-year-old Marathon resident told Deputy Michael Onsgard, Detective Rosary Ponce and Sgt. Joel Slough that she was loading groceries into her car at approximately 11:45 a.m. when a white male wearing a dark T-shirt, dark pants and a dark handkerchief-style mask approached her holding an approximately five-inch folding knife. The suspect repeatedly said demanded the woman give him money.

The woman started screaming, which drew the attention of myriad witnesses and caused the suspect to run off. The victim was not injured nor touched and she declined medical attention. The suspect was not able to steal anything from the victim before he fled.

Multiple witnesses all described hearing a woman scream, but gave inconsistent descriptions of what the suspect was wearing.

Deputies formed a perimeter within minutes of the incident being

There were no arrests as of Saturday. Detectives and Deputies are still investigating the incident.

Anyone who has any information about the incident should contact the Sheriff’s Office at 305-289-2430. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-471-8477. Tipsters can remain anonymous and if a tip leads to an arrest in the case, the caller may be eligible for a cash reward. Tips may also be submitted online at www.floridakeyscrimestoppers.com or via a text message using the smartphone app called P3 Phone. Tips can also be submitted via social media such as Facebook at Crime Stoppers of the Florida Keys, click on “contact us.”

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