Doughnut shop bandit hits head while fleeing with cash register

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — Police are searching for a man who hit his head while fleeing with a cash register, and box of cash in Port St. Lucie.

RELATED:Jail job applicant not hired, arrested instead in theft case

A patrol officer for the Port St. Lucie Police Department was patrolling on Bayshore Boulevard when he saw a light post knocked over. He pulled over to check it out and saw the front door of Dixie Cream Donuts was smashed open.

“This is a real punch to the gut to this doughnut shop,” said Master Sgt. Frank Sabol with the Port St. Lucie Police Department.

The surveillance video shows the man used a hammer to smash the front door open and then he rummaged around the store. Master Sg. Sabol said the suspect may be a former employee but they are still investigating.

“It looks like he knew what he was doing or at least familiar with the business,” Sabol said.

After he got some cash and struggled with the register, he tried to bolt. But Sabol said “karma hit him when he hit his head on the stand.” Surveillance video shows he dropped the cash register and took off.

While police are trying to find the man responsible, the employees are left to pick up the pieces.

RELATED: Cocaine in purse? Woman blames it on a windy day, police say

“It was devastating because I know that it was gonna put us behind. Plus, the owner lost money,” said John Limback, who's worked at the shop for 20 years. "We lost money this morning because the police had to get through their stuff. Also, we’re losing money because we have to get the door replaced.”

The man is describe as white, and seen wearing a light colored hat, dark long sleeve shirt, dark pants, eye glasses, face mask, carrying a white satchel and latex gloves.

Police ask if you have any information to call (772) 871-5001 or call Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS. You will remain anonymous and could receive a cash reward if your tip leads to an arrest.

RELATED: Massive rocks tumble toward motorists on China highway