Crime & Safety

Victim Beaten, Robbed in Williams Park

The victim was nearly beaten to death by a 39-year-old suspect who stole a backpack, police say.

A 39-year-old St. Petersburg man faces charges of attempted homicide and strong armed robbery in connection to a mugging Saturday morning in Williams Park.

Watson L. Haynes III was arrested at 20th Avenue and 16th Street North, after witnesses identified him as the suspect in the beating and robbery of a victim found unconscious in the downtown park, at 350 2nd Ave. North.

According to police, Haynes stole the victim's backpack.

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Officers responded to a call at 8:51 a.m. about an unresponsive person lying on the ground in Williams Park. They found the victim unconscious, with severe upper body trauma, according to police.

The unidentified victim was transported to Bayfront Medical Hospital with life threatening injuries.

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The victim's name will be released when the next of kin has been notified.



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