An off-duty Polk County sheriff's deputy was robbed at a grocery store Saturday evening, police said.
According to Winter Haven police, the deputy was entering the Publix Supermarket at 884 Cypress Gardens Blvd. around 7 p.m. when a man came up and snatched her purse.
The suspect was seen getting in to a bright silver small SUV, possibly a Mazda or Toyota hatchback-style vehicle, police said. The vehicle was last seen traveling south on 8th St., SE.
The purse contained the deputy's badge and credentials, along with a .380 Ruger gun that was inside a holster.
Police described the suspect as a black man, about 5 feet 8 with short hair. He was wearing red athletic shorts, a gray T-shirt, a black ball cap, white socks and gray sneakers.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.