Treasure Island police are asking the public’s help in identifying a suspect who claimed he bought a propane tank from a Circle K store and demanded his money back.

  • Man walks into Circle K asking for money back on a propane tank he didn't buy
  • Police say the suspect did the same thing to another store

On Tuesday, May 17, at 11 a.m., a white male walked into the Circle K in Treasure Island and told the store manager that he bought a propane tank from the store, according to police.

“The Circle K manager stated (the suspect) came into the store and advised her he purchased one of their propane tanks, brought it home, opened the valve and propane started pouring out of the seal. The man reported he called the Fire Department who responded and seized the tank for safety purposes,” stated police.

The man stated that he wanted his money back. Treasure Island Chief of Police Armand J.J. Boudreau told Bay News 9 that the Circle K store manager gave the suspect a $58 refund.

It is believed the suspect may have done a similar thing at another store.

"(Another) incident occurred in another jurisdiction at 7-11 in Madeira Beach; however, it was not reported to law enforcement. The clerk also provided a $58 refund to the suspect," stated Boudreau.

The suspect is described as a heavy set white male with shore brown hair and in his 30s to 40s. He was wearing sunglasses, a blue short-sleeve shirt and camouflage shorts.

The man drove off in a light-colored beige or tan four-door sedan, either a 2009-2011 Ford Crown Victoria or Mercury Grand Marquis with a half vinyl top.

People with information should call Treasure Island Police Department at 727-547-4595, reference case number TI16-9765.