LEALMAN – A Pinellas Park man was arrested about 8 p.m. March 20 after Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies released chemical agents into the home where he had barricaded himself.
According to the sheriff’s report, St. Petersburg Police stopped Andrew Michael Giannisis, 32, just after midnight Wednesday. When the officer approached the vehicle, he observed a gun. Giannisis picked up the gun and pointed it at the officer. The suspect fled. St. Petersburg Officers attempted to pursue, but the suspect was able to get away.
The suspect’s vehicle was later located off of 46th Avenue in Lealman. The investigation led deputies to a residence at 4480 40th St. N. Deputies maintained surveillance of the home until they were able to confirm the suspect was inside.
Deputies obtained an arrest warrant and attempted to make contact with the suspect. When the suspect did not respond, the SWAT Team and the Negotiator Response Team were activated just after 2 p.m.
A perimeter was set in the area. Telephone communication was established with the suspect and negotiations continued for several hours. SWAT Team members released chemical agents into the home. Within 30 seconds, the suspect exited the residence through the front door.
Giannisis was taken into custody at without further incident. He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail where he is being held in lieu of bonds totaling $308,250.
He was charged with two counts of fleeing and eluding; violation of a driving restriction; felonious possession of a firearm; driving with a suspended or revoked license and aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer.
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