Shortly before 11 p.m. on Wednesday, a Papa John’s pizza delivery man told deputies he was robbed at gunpoint while making a late-night pizza run.

Two suspects remain at large.

The 31-year-old Citrus Springs victim was called to a residence on South Leisure Boulevard, which turned out to be vacant. As the delivery man was turning to leave, he was confronted by two men wearing masks and dark clothing.
The shorter suspect, about 5-feet-8 inches tall, was displaying a handgun, while the taller one, between 6 feet and 6-feet 1-inch tall, was pointing a shotgun.

They both demanded cash from the victim, and then ordered him to the ground and began beating the man with an unknown object. They tied the 31-year-old’s legs together, and then tied one of his arms to a pole of the carport. He was told to lie face down as the two suspects fled the scene.

The victim’s personal vehicle was entered by the pair, and his cell phone, keys and wallet were stolen. The suspects took the delivery bag containing the pizza, too.

The victim was able to free himself and get help from a house nearby. Sheriff’s Office deputies responded, as detectives and crime scene technicians were dispatched to the incident location.

The victim suffered various lacerations and abrasions, as well as a large lump on his head; however, he refused medical treatment.

The delivery man told detectives that he remembered hearing a vehicle, but could offer no physical description or direction of travel.

Detectives are following up on a few possible leads, but are also asking for the public’s help.

Anyone who may have information about this armed robbery is asked to call 911 immediately. To remain anonymous, use Crime Stoppers of Citrus County, Inc. To report a tip, text CITRUS to 274637 (Crimes), click on www.crimestopperscitrus.com or call 1-888-ANY-TIPS toll-free. Tipsters may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.