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Deputies: Search For Robber Causes Driver To 'Freak Out'

News Channel 8 image by MICHAEL EGGER

The pursuit ended today near the intersection of 66th Street and 56th Avenue North.

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By RAY REYES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 27, 2008

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Harold Roberson

KENNETH CITY - Deputies searching for an armed robbery suspect in the area of 56th Avenue caused another man wanted on warrants to "freak out," drive off and lead deputies on a high-speed chase, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said.

Harold Throne Roberson, 32, of 1235 Faragut Drive, St. Petersburg, was arrested and charged with one count each of driving with a suspended license, aggravated fleeing and eluding and possession of marijuana after the pursuit ended today near the intersection of 66th Street and 56th Avenue North.

He was also arrested on three outstanding felony warrants and one misdemeanor warrant. The charges include bill forgery and possession of cocaine, jail records show.

Deputies were searching 56th Avenue about 2 p.m. today for a man who entered a pawn shop and started smashing glass display cases with a baseball bat, Pinellas sheriff's spokesman Jim Bordner said.

The man was shot by the pawn store owner and fled. Roberson, who was visiting a friend nearby, saw all the law enforcement activity and thought deputies were there to arrest him, the sheriff's office said.

Roberson was driving a white 2008 Dodge Charger with tinted windows, which made it difficult for deputies to see inside the vehicle. A deputy activated his lights and signaled Roberson to stop, but the Charger accelerated and ran a red light, the sheriff's office said.

Deputies used a maneuver to cause the Charger to spin out and stall minutes later. No injuries were reported.

Roberson was taken to Pinellas County Jail, where he was being held today on $66,215 bail.

Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 259-7920 or rreyes@tampatrib.com.

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