Alleged motorcycle thief arrested PINELLAS PARK – An alleged motorcycle thief was arrested by police on Oct. 25 after he tried to drive the bike for about two minutes without success. Tavaris M. Johnson, 24, of Pinellas Park was charged with operating a stolen vehicle and resisting police without violence. He was being held at the Pinellas County Jail.
Police said officers were investigating a previous incident in the 7300 block of 35th Street when they saw Johnson repeatedly attempt to drive a 2008 BMW motorcycle. Police said he also repeatedly stalled the bike and finally gave up and started pushing it into the nearby Lauren Manor housing development. Police said Johnson allowed the bike to fall on its side and took off on foot, with police right behind him. He was arrested while attempting to hide by sitting on a curb between two parked cars.
Man arrested for DUI PINELLAS PARK – A Clearwater man was arrested on Oct. 29 after he nearly ran down a police officer. Santy Louvon, 34, was charged with third offense DUI and driving on a suspended or revoked license. He was released from the Pinellas County Jail after posting $5,250 bail.
Police said Sgt. E. Leshick was working a detail at 118th Avenue and U.S. 19 at about 2 a.m. when Louvon brought his car to a halt. The suspect ignored Leshick’s multiple commands to move. When Leshick walked to Louvon’s vehicle the suspect took off, almost striking the sergeant in the process. The suspect was arrested shortly after the incident.
Woman arrested for alleged tag switching PINELLAS PARK – A St. Petersburg woman was arrested on Oct. 30 for allegedly switching price tags on a softball glove. Sherri Lynn Coleman, 37, was charged with possession of Xanax, petit theft and resisting a merchant. She was released from the Pinellas County Jail after posting $7,150 bail.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office records show that Coleman also was arrested by deputies on Oct. 21 for felony petit theft and again on Nov. 3 for the same charges. No details were immediately available on those two incidents. Police said on Oct. 30, however, Coleman was at the Wal-Mart Super Store, 8001 U.S. 19, when she allegedly switched a price tag on a softball glove by removing one for $22 and replacing it with a tag for $15. A subsequent search disclosed that she had the Xanax in her possession, police said.
