Police: Man robs gas station to get money for children's Christmas presents

A man scaled a St. Johns County gas station, shimmied down a vent on the roof early Monday and robbed the clerk after telling her the money was for his children's Christmas presents, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The robber is in his mid 20's to early 30's and stands between 5-foot-5 to 5-foot-7. He was wearing a dark hat, grey-plaid shirt and blue jeans, the Sheriff's Office said. The suspect concealed his identity by draping a white or grey sweatshirt over his face, leaving only his eyes revealed.

The 38-year-old victim arrived at the Kangaroo gas station in the 2800 block of U.S. 1 South about 5:30 a.m. She told police she found the robber in the office area of the store. The man told the clerk he had lost his job and needed the money for Christmas presents, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The clerk then turned over the money and the robber fled the store. A gun wasn't displayed during the robbery, the Sheriff's Office said.

Anyone with information about the robber's identity can call Detective Thomas Marmo at (904) 209-2191 or call Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at (888) 277-TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward.

Derek Gilliam: (904) 359-4619