2 sought in robbery of Ocala tavern

OCALA, Fla. (WOGX FOX 51) - Ocala Police are looking for two robbery suspects.

One is accused of taking cash from the register at a local tavern while wielding his gun, and a second gunman pointed his gun at about six bar patrons during the alleged heist.

Police said it all happened at the Snowbirds Tavern in Ocala on NW 20th Street Tuesday night at about 8:30 p.m.

"There's not really much to think.  You ain't gonna be a hero... not with a gun pointed at you so," explained Skip Shaw, who was one of the patrons.

Shaw said there was nothing he could do, and nothing the others could do, as the armed robber slammed the bar owner over the head.

"It's  kind of like a helpless feeling, makes you want to know if you should carry a gun to protect yourself and others around you," Shaw says.  "We were all just having good time in there!"

According to police, the bar owner was working the register.   After the robbers hit him over the head and took his money, they sped away in a silver car.

Customers and the bar owner describe the robbers as tall, black men in their 20s or 30s.  Their faces were partially covered by their sweatshirts.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Ocala Police Department of Crimestoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP (7867).