Deputies make arrest after attempted robbery

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office have made an arrest following the attempted robbery at Dollar General on the 4400 block of Bee Ridge Road Sunday.

Deputies arrested 33-year-old Mario Smith during a traffic stop Tuesday, after they located the shirt and shorts allegedly worn during the crime. Officers had already arrested Smith for possession of narcotics equipment before searching his vehicle, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release.

Dollar General employee Tammy Lynn Hoppa had refused to open the cash register after Smith threatened to “pull out a gun,” and told him to leave. After Smith left, Hoppa reported to authorities he was wearing a “Mario Bros.”-themed shirt and basketball shorts.

Smith is being held without bond at the Sarasota County Jail.