Times staff
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Tarpon Springs
Robber slings a bike trying to get away
A Clearwater man, arrested Wednesday evening on a strong-arm robbery charge, is accused of taking $75 from a Tarpon Springs business owner and hurling a bicycle at his victim during his escape, Tarpon Springs police say. Justin G. Spicer, 18, intimidated local merchant Thomas Filaretou into opening the cash register of his business at 10 S Pinellas Ave. and handing over two $20 bills and seven $5 bills, police said. But when employee Kevin Sisti confronted him, the robber threw a bicycle at the store employees and made a break for it. According to police, Filaretou gave chase, tripped over the bicycle, got up, continued pursuit, and caught up to the 140-pound suspect and held him until police arrived. In addition to the robbery charge, Spicer was charged with violating parole for possession of ...