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3 were beaten, robbed, they say

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By LISA A. DAVIS

ldavis@tampatrib.com

Published: June 24, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - Three people say they were beaten when they arrived home Monday night in the River Ridge Country Club subdivision.

One victim was punched several times but got away, a Pasco County Sheriff's Office report states. The two others were forced into a garage on Tee Time Circle and beaten by a trio of suspects with a bat, metal pipe and leaf blower. Then they were robbed of their money, cell phones and pants.

The incident started about 9:45 p.m.

Shortly after, Joseph Michael Metz, 20, was arrested by deputies when he and the two victims were found in a bathroom closet at the home, the report states.

The first victim said Metz punched him, the report states. The other two victims identified Metz as the suspect who beat them. They weren't able to identify the other assailants.

The victims were seriously injured but refused medical treatment, the report states.

Metz, of 3600 Berkshire Drive, Holiday, was booked into the Land O' Lakes Jail just after 1 a.m. Tuesday. He faces two counts each of kidnapping, armed robbery and aggravated battery, and four counts of simple battery. Bail is set at $620,450.

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