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Tampa Bank Robbery Tale Involves Hound, Dye Pack, Arrest

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 7, 2008

TAMPA - A bank robber's escape attempt was foiled today when a dye pack in the money he stole exploded in his getaway vehicle and a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office bloodhound tracked him to his home in the Carrollwood area, deputies say.

Deputies arrested Kenneth Robinson, 43, without incident.

About 7:54 a.m., Robinson – wearing a ski mask, hoodie and gloves -- confronted a Mercantile Bank teller at gunpoint and demanded money, deputies say. Robinson likely entered the bank overnight, breaking out a plate glass window behind a wall, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

He took an undisclosed amount of money – along with the dye pack – and left the bank, which is at 10821 N. Dale Mabry Highway, deputies say. Robinson went to a chiropractic office at 11015 N. Dale Mabry Highway and demanded a patient's car keys, deputies say.

The chiropractor, Scott Hegseth, approached Robinson. Robinson stabbed Hegseth in the arm and back, deputies say. Hegseth's wounds were not life-threatening, deputies say.

Robinson left in the unidentified patient's Lexus and abandoned it near Dale Mabry Highway and Fletcher Avenue after the dye pack exploded, deputies say. Deputies recovered cash from inside the Lexus.

Sheriff's office canine and aviation units responded to the scene. Ruby, a bloodhound, tracked Robinson to his home, 3315 Nundy Road, and he was arrested without incident.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691.

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