Crime & Safety
Robbery Duo Bites, Grabs, Punches Bealls Worker, Police Say
The couple allegedly fought with a loss prevention officer who confronted them at Bealls Department Store.
A 28-year-old St. Petersburg woman was arrested after she allegedly "bit, scratched, punched and grabb(ed) the testicles" of a security officer at Bealls Department Store in the Largo Mall.
Jade Louise Stein and Trevor Lee Groat, 38, of Pinellas Park each face a charge of strong arm robbery, according to an arrest affidavit.
Groat is accused of taking $195 in merchandise from the retailer during the robbery attempt on Jan. 9. Stein allegedly took $85 worth of money or property from the store, according to police.
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As the two left the retailer, police said, they were confronted by the store's loss prevention officer.
The duo tried to get away from the employee, and in the process Stein allegedly bit, scratched, punched "and at one point grabb(ed) the victim's testicles," according to arrest affidavits.
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Groat reportedly tried to help the pair escape by grabbing, pushing, and punching the victim, according to the report.
The two are awaiting trial at the Pinellas County Jail on a total bond of $10,000, according to online Pinellas County Sheriff's records.
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