Argument Over Handicapped Parking Space Ends in Shooting Death at Convenience Store in Unincorporated Clearwater

Argument Over Handicapped Parking Space Ends in Shooting Death at Convenience Store in Unincorporated Clearwater

Update: August 13, 2018

The State Attorney conducted his review and decided to charge Drejka with Manslaughter. An arrest warrant was issued this morning and PCSO detectives arrested Drejka. Drejka is being booked into the Pinellas County. Jail and bond has been set at $100,000.

Sheriff Gualtieri said, “I support the State Attorney’s decision and will have  no further comment as the case continues to work its way through the criminal justice system.”

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Update July 31, 2018
Sheriff’s Press Conference- Follow-Up to Markeis McGlockton Shooting Investigation

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Detectives from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the shooting death of 28 year-old Markeis McGlockton. The shooting occurred outside the Circle A Food Store located at 1201 Sunset Point Road at approximately 3:28 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, 2018.

According to detectives, 24-year-old Britany Jacobs of Clearwater was driving her 2016 Chrysler 2000 when she pulled into the Circle A Food Store located at 1201 Sunset Point Road, and parked in a handicapped parking space outside the business.

Jacob’s boyfriend, 28-year-old Markeis McGlockton, and their 5 year-old son exited Jacob’s vehicle and went into the convenience store.

Detectives say Jacobs was waiting outside in the parking lot when she was approached by 47-year-old Michael Drejka of Clearwater. Detectives say that Drejka and Jacobs got into an argument about Jacobs parking in a handicapped parking space.

A witness saw Drejka and Jacobs arguing before walking into the store. While inside the convenient store, the witness alerted the clerk of the argument occurring in the parking lot.

According to witnesses, McGlockton exited the store and walked over to Drejka who was still arguing with Jacobs in the parking lot. Witnesses say McGlockton forcibly pushed Drejka causing Drejka to fall to the ground.

Witnesses told detectives that Drejka was on the ground when he took out a handgun and fired one single round at McGlockton striking him in the chest.

Witnesses say McGlockton walked back into the convenient store where he collapsed.

Several witnesses called 911 as the incident unfolded.

When deputies arrived, Drejka was cooperative with deputies. Drejka told deputies he placed his firearm in his Toyota 4-Runner prior to their arrival.

Paramedics responded and transported McGlockton to Morton Plant Hospital for life-threatening injuries.

Deputies transported Drejka to the North District Station located at 2496 Bayshore Boulevard in Dunedin, so he could be interviewed by detectives.

Deputies took possession of Drejka’s handgun. Drejka was in possession of a valid Florida concealed weapons license.

Detectives say McGlockton was pronounced deceased at Morton Plant Hospital at about 4:04 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, 2018.

Detectives obtained surveillance video of the shooting from the convenient store and interviewed multiple witnesses who were at the scene.

This is an ongoing investigation pending the applicability to the “Stand Your Ground” law and Drejka’s immunity to arrest.

The investigation continues.

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