LEE COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida man jumped into a fish tank at a Bass Pro Shop on Mother’s Day, a video posted to social media shows.
The video shows a man walk up the stairs, dive into the tank at the store at the Gulf Coast Town Center and then run off, WBBH reported.
A manager followed the man out of the store and saw him leave in a silver sedan, the News-Press reported.
Lee County Sheriff's Office believe the man is Daniel Armendariz, 27, who is still on the loose. He could face felony criminal mischief charges as well as trespassing. The incident happened May 10 but was not reported to investigators until May 12, the News-Press reported.
Bass Pro Shops spent $3,000 decontaminating the tank.
"This incident is illegal, dangerous and highly discouraged. We work with law enforcement to investigate all individuals who personally attempt or are involved with such activities," Bass Pro Shops said in a statement. "Additionally, while incidents of this nature are extremely rare, we are deeply concerned about attempts to promote and sensationalize them."
This is not the first time the fish tank at this store has been used in a prank. Three high school students dove into it in 2011 then got out and ran, the News-Press reported.
Armendariz has previously been arrested for robbery, aggravated battery and sale or delivery of drugs, investigators said. There is a $3,000 reward for information that leads to his arrest.
“I already have a lawyer working on this accusation, I find it pretty (petty) how you detectives and officers are looking for me as if I’ve killed somebody and have the whole task force working on me,” Armendariz wrote on social media. “You have murderers and rapists on the loose and serious crimes being committed and do you see that all over the news??? It’s pathetic so I’m gonna make sure you guys have to work.”
Cox Media Group
