Crime & Safety

Deputies: Man Attacked Woman With Buckle

James Wheeler, 48, of St. Pete Beach, was arrested by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and charged with assault and criminal mischief.

A St. Pete Beach man has been arrested after he allegedly tried to attack a woman with a buckle while she was in a car, authorities said.

James Wheeler, 48, was arrested by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and charged with assault and criminal mischief. He is awaiting trial at the Pinellas County Jail on a $1,150 bond. 

According to Wheeler's arrest affidavit, he "exited the (victim's) vehicle with a tool in his hand ... and began striking her vehicle," following an argument. 

When the victim said she was calling 911, Wheeler then walked over to the driver's side of the vehicle and threatened to, "hit her and kick her a**," the affidavit said. 

The victim, authorities said, was able to get out of the vehicle and run to a neighbor's home to call 911. 

The sheriff's office reported that the confrontation caused such a scene that they received multiple calls from eyewitnesses during the incident.  

Deputies arrested Wheeler July 16 at 3:06 p.m. 


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