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Man Threatened To Kill Business Associates, Deputies Say

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By CHRIS ECHEGARAY

Published: September 4, 2007

TARPON SPRINGS - Deputies Tasered and arrested a New Port Richey man who they say was carrying two concealed knives after threatening to kill business associates earlier today, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies say Jody Yousif, 45, of 4844 Tigertail Court, New Port Richey, called the sheriff's office before noon and threatened to kill the two business associates over a financial matter.

Yousif also threatened to attack authorities that approached him, forcing them to kill him, authorities said in a statement.

Deputies went to investigate the threats at the BB&T Bank building, where the men work, located at 28050 U.S. Highway 19 North near Clearwater.

Authorities closed the office building – where legal, financial, and other professional offices are housed – to the public.

Deputies were inside looking for the suspect. They searched for an hour and they didn't find Yousif. They did find the two men who were the targets of the threat. They were unharmed, authorities said. At 1:15 p.m., the building was reopened. Authorities spoke with Yousif several times by telephone as the investigation continued.

Deputies noticed Yousif's car at a Kentucky Fried Chicken at 41226 U.S. Highway 19 North in Tarpon Springs at 3:30 p.m. They found Yousif inside the fast food restaurant. He refused to cooperate and a Taser was used to subdue him, authorities said.

Deputies discovered Yousif had two large kitchen knives in his waistband.

Yousif was arrested on two counts of carrying a concealed weapon. A psychiatric evaluation will be conducted at Pinellas County jail.

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