Police Beat
Article published on Thursday, July 3, 2008 |
Teen shot during altercation
PINELLAS PARK – A Kenneth City teenager was shot on June 29 during a confrontation with several men.
Errick P. Lovan, 18, was treated at a local hospital for a leg wound and is expected to recover. Lt. Paul Andrews said police responded to the 7300 block of U.S. 19 at about 3 a.m. to investigate a report of gunshots.
About an hour later police received a call from a hospital where Lovan sought medical assistance. He told officers he was involved in a confrontation with several men in the area of 74th Avenue and 35th Way when he was shot.
Police said the shooting stemmed from an incident earlier in the evening. The shooter is still being sought by police.
Rifle fired during robbery
PINELLAS PARK – A man armed with a rifle fired one shot June 27 during a convenience store robbery.
Police said the gunman entered the Citgo convenience store, 6791 66th St., at about 10:45 p.m. and demanded money. He fired one shot into the floor before getting into the passenger seat of a nearby car that sped away.
The man is described as a white man in his 40s, about 6 feet tall with a medium build and combed back receding brown hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt, black shorts and white sneakers. The car was described as a blue-green early 1990s convertible with spoke wheels.
Police fear booby trap in Lealman house fire
LEALMAN – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad on June 27 responded to a house fire because police feared that the building might have been booby-trapped. The home’s occupant, Steven Blackwell, 40, has been held at the Pinellas County Jail since June 3 on 11 different charges that include armed trafficking of cocaine, possession and sale of methamphetamin and marijuana. He is being held in lieu of $50,150 bail.
Firefighters responded to a blaze at 4550 39th St. N. that was limited to a storage room. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said firefighters and deputies learned that the house might have contained highly combustible chemicals or had been booby-trapped with explosives. Various chemicals were later discovered, deputies said. Hillsborough authorities were called in to assist in the investigation.
Nine injured in car-bus crash
PINELLAS PARK – Nine bus passengers were injured on June 25 when a Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority carrier crashed with a car. Sgt. Brian Unmisig said Donald White, 48, was driving the PSTA bus when a car operated by Cynthia Hoskin, 34, of Pinellas Park made a U-turn into the path of the bus at 49th Street and 110th Avenue. Police said Hoskin’s car was struck in the passenger side, causing extensive damage. Neither she nor White were injured, but nine bus passengers were taken to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. The investigation continues.
Arrest made in school burglary
PINELLAS PARK – A Louisiana man was arrested on June 23 after he allegedly broke into a local school. Paul J. Samayoa. 19, of Westwego, La., is charged with burglary. He was being held at the Pinellas County Jail. Police said Samayoa admitted to breaking into the Cross Bayou Elementary School, 6886 102nd Ave., at about 6 p.m. When apprehended by officers he allegedly had an MP3 player in his possession that was stolen from the school. The investigation continues.
Man charged in school theft
PINELLAS PARK – A Pinellas Park man was arrested on June 24 for stealing money from his elderly father to support a drug habit. Dennis W. Gadd, 47, was charged with uttering a forged instrument and forgery. He is being held at the Pinellas County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail. Police said Gadd went to Ace Cash Express, 5561 Park Blvd., at about 12:50 p.m. and allegedly tried to cash a $300 check from his 92-year-old father’s account. A store employee called the father who denied writing the check and police were called. Officers said Gadd admitted to having a crack cocaine habit and taking checks from his father’s home.
Man charged in assault
PINELLAS PARK – A Largo man was arrested on June 21 after an assault over a taxi cab ride. Christopher Magennis, 33, was charged with simple battery. He was released from the Pinellas County Jail after posting bail. Police said he and the victim, who was not identified, were at the Watering Trough, 12333 66th St. at about 2 a.m. when both men tried to use the same taxi. Magennis allegedly struck the other man in the face during a brief exchange.
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Article published on Thursday, July 3, 2008
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