A suspect shot at Zaxby’s employees during a robbery before fleeing the store and eluding law enforcement on Saturday in Gainesville.
According to a Gainesville Police Department (GPD) release, officers responded at 9:10 p.m. on Saturday to the Zaxby’s located at 1 NW 10th Ave. to the report of an armed robbery and shooting.
When officers arrived, they talked to victims and witnesses who said the suspect entered the restaurant and pointed a handgun at multiple employees. The suspect then fired the gun at the employees before taking the money and fleeing Zaxby’s.
An Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) K-9 unit responded and started tracking the suspect. At that time, a call came to the Combined Communication Center advising that a subject was walking around carrying a handgun.
The K-9 unit responded to the area indicated by the caller and, after the subject was given verbal commands to stop, the suspect fired the handgun toward the deputies and fled. An Alachua Police Department K-9 unit responded to assist. The search continued in tracking the suspect, but the suspect was not located.
At the time of the incident, the suspect was seen wearing a black hoodie, black pants and a black and white face covering. None of the law enforcement officers, Zaxby’s employees or witnesses were injured.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call 352-955-1818 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 352-372-7867 or submit a tip online at www.stopcrime.tv.