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2 Robbery Attempts Leave 1 Of 2 St. Pete Cabbies Wounded

News Channel 8 photo by RUGENE MOORE

St. Petersburg police say two cabdrivers were victims of robbery attempts, in both cases by a lone gunman.

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By STEPHEN THOMPSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 10, 2008

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Michael Solt, victim

ST. PETERSBURG - Attempted armed robberies of two different cabbies this morning left one with a bullet wound, police said.

The wounded cabbie had been dispatched to 2535 Union St. about 2:50 a.m., said St. Petersburg Police Department spokesman George Kajtsa. When the cab got there, a young man approached a passenger-side window of the cab, pulled a gun and demanded money, Kajtsa said.

The cabbie hit the accelerator, and the man fired one shot, hitting him in the collarbone, Kajtsa said. An ambulance took him to Bayfront Medical Center, and he was expected to survive.

At 3:34 a.m., a Bats cabdriver was dispatched to 1826 18th Ave. N., Kajtsa said. After the driver got there, a man approached his window, put a gun to his head and demanded money.

The cabbie drove off without being shot and flagged down a police officer, Kajtsa said.

The Tribune is not releasing the names of the cabbies because there have been no arrests.

The incidents have not been connected, Kajtsa said.

Reporter Stephen Thompson can be reached at (727) 451-2336 or spthompson@tampatrib.com.

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