Robber shoots woman outside Brandon bank
BRANDON (FOX 13) - A bold crook caught on camera. Dramatic video from an after-hours, drive-up bank depository in Brandon shows a robber shooting a woman and stealing her deposit bag.
The woman is still in the hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is hunting for the triggerman.
A family in pain and a victim traumatized.
“We’re all distraught, upset, trying to stay strong for her instead of ourselves, as well as our kids,” said James McBratney.
His oldest daughter was violently attacked Wednesday night. The 23-year-old and a co-worker went to the Wells Fargo on Kings Avenue in Brandon to deposit money after finishing a shift at work.
Surveillance video from the bank shows the robber walking up to the woman in her car. She locks her doors, and the suspect fires two times. Once into the backseat, and the second time hitting the woman.
“My daughter sustained glass fragments in her face, and a gunshot wound to her left thigh, the fragments from the bullet are still encased inside of her leg,” McBratney said.
Investigators say the woman is lucky to be alive, but it will be a long road to recovery. The robber shot her from very close range. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says it’s clear the crook was determined to rob someone.
“The fact that he was there at the night deposit box, dressed the way he was, certainly planned,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Larry McKinnon. “We don’t know if it was this particular individual that was planned, but it looks like it was planned to rob somebody coming to use the ATM or the night deposit box.”
Family members say they want swift justice and the gunman off the streets.
“I know somebody out there knows who this person is, I want this person behind bars, I don’t want this to happen again,” McBratney said.
Wells Fargo released a statement to FOX 13 News, saying:
"Wells Fargo's top concern is the safety and well-being of our customers and team members. We are deeply saddened by the robbery at our Brandon location that resulted in the injury of one of our customers. Our thoughts are with her family, and we hope for her full recovery. We are cooperating fully with the authorities in their investigation of this crime, and we are referring all questions to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in order to preserve the integrity of that work."
Right now, investigators don’t know much about the suspect, except that he is dangerous. They’re hoping you might recognize him from the surveillance video, his clothes, mannerisms or the gun.
If you know anything, call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.