Crime & Safety

OMG PD: Robber Bites Man, Soldier Robbed, Water Tower Shot

We compile the odd, unusual and 'oh my gosh' police items from throughout the Tampa Bay region.

Robber Bites Man Trying to Help Eldery Victim

According to police, a Gulfport resident took out $20 in cash from a Wells Fargo ATM. The woman was approaching her vehicle when the suspect walked up to her, according to the Gulfport Patch.

He allegedly grabbed her hand and pried the cash from it. He said “I need that money” before taking off. 

The woman yelled for help and a motorist driving by on a scooter responded, according to police. 

Find out what's happening in Pinellas Beacheswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The driver began chasing the suspect and got into a struggle.

The suspect chomped down on the motorist's arm, prompting him to let go of the robber, who was able to run away. The motorist said that the suspect also threatened to cut him.   

Find out what's happening in Pinellas Beacheswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Soldier's Home Burglarized

Sgt. Robert Fearon was in Tampa training to prepare for his fourth tour of duty in the Middle East last weekend, when burglars broke into his home stealing electronics, jewlrey and signed sports jerseys, according to Bradenton Patch.

Greedy Thieves Wipe Shelves Clean of Perfume

How much was enough for the thieves at work at the Sephora cosmetics store in the Westfield Brandon shopping mall? Apparently, only a few steals wouldn't do, as a surveillance video released from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office shows the two women hauling away enough perfume to top about $3,000, according to Brandon Patch.

Man Wearing Only a Shirt Chased Women

According to the arrest affidavit on Largo Patch, "the defendant was undressing and chasing women through the parking lot, which alerted the attention of several bystanders. A mother and her two small children were walking through the parking lot when the defendant was only wearing a red (shirt) and no pants."

The shoplifters worked together to slip the perfume into their bags at the Sephora store at Westfield Brandon mall. A reward has been offered in the case.

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City officials estimate 550,000 gallons were lost from a reclaimed water tower damaged during a golf cart shooting spree early Tuesday at local golf club, reports Dunedin Patch.
The 200-foot city water tower just south of Curlew Road, near the intersection of Bayshore Boulevard, was struck by a bullet while Mark Fitzgerald, 49, of Dunedin rode around Dunedin Golf Club with two weapons during the early morning hours, according to a Pinellas County Sheriff's news release.


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