Police looking for two men who stole camera equipment in New Port Richey

Lori D. Scott

The two men suspected of robbery drove off in a dark-colored Mazda from Main Street on Friday morning.

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A New Port Richey store owner is seeking accountability after he was robbed of thousands of dollars in equipment.

Police are looking for two men who officers said stole more than $4,000 worth of camera equipment at the Pasco Camera Exchange store Friday morning. Surveillance video captured owner Jim Smetzer struggling to save his belongings before the two men fled.

You feel violated. You feel like, why did it have to happen? Almost 30 years being here, we’ve never had that happen before,” Smetzer said.


Smetzer recalled the two men coming in and asking questions, and later expressing that they wanted to make a purchase.

Moments later, Smetzer said the men lunged for the equipment. At one point, surveillance video captured one of the men jumping over the counter to steal equipment.

Smetzer can be seen on video attempting to stop the men but he was thrown on the ground during the seconds-long exchange and immediately called for help.

Smetzer said the experience left him shaken after decades of running the store. He suffered minor injuries, including pain in his chest, but what also hurts is the emotional toll of it.

The incident has left him more cautious of his surroundings while at work, he said.

As he waits for accountability, Smetzer said his hope is to retire someday, and for someone to buy the store and help grow it even more.

For now, he said he’s grateful for the support he’s received from people who’ve heard his story.

“The positives outweighed the negative,” Smetzer said.

New Port Richey police said the two male suspects entered the store located at 5405 Main Street at approximately 9:30 a.m.

The two men drove off in a dark-colored Mazda and were last seen traveling north on U.S. 19, according to police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at 727-841-4550.


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