By Rodney Thrash, Times Staff Writer
Friday, October 8, 2010
LARGO — A Pinellas County Sheriff's deputy foiled an armed robbery at a Largo gas station Friday morning, authorities said.
Just after 11 a.m., customers at the Citgo gas station, 8195 Ulmerton Road, reported a suspicious man in a black and white bandana, a hoody sweatshirt and a knit cap, authorities said.
He hid behind an ice machine and a rack of propane tanks in front of the store. He held something that they could not see.
When a deputy arrived on the scene, he ordered the man to the ground and discovered a pistol.
The suspect, identified as Jake Nowling, 22, of Largo, admitted he was there to commit a robbery.
He was arrested and charged with attempted robbery with a weapon, felon in possession of a concealed weapon, and violation of probation — leaving the scene of a crash with injuries.