Officers from the Largo Police Department responded to reports of an armed subject at 13001 Starkey Road on Sunday, March 29, 2020. The incident occurred at approximately 11:35 am.
The incident began as 30 year-old Jeffrey Kusmierski burglarized a 2017 Mazda CX3 outside one of the warehouses at the stated address.
Two of the victims arrived on-scene nearby, in a Mercedes, to tend to one of their semi trucks. The male victim entered the semi and began to drive to a nearby gas station while leaving the female victim to await his return. Kusmierski exited the Mazda and approached the female victim while holding a red Milwaukee folding knife and demanded the keys to her Mercedes. The female began to scream and run down the road away from Kusmierski.
The male driving the semi observed the female running and being chased by Kusmierski. He was able to safely get the woman in the truck. Kusmierski reportedly, began to pursue the male while still armed with the knife and demanded keys to the vehicle. The man was able to get back in the truck safely and awaited the arrival of the police.
Video of subject being taken into custody
Upon arrival, officers found Kusmierski sitting in the driver’s seat of the Mazda CX3 and refused to exit the vehicle. He was still armed with the knife. Officers worked to communicate and negotiate with Kusmeirski as he continued to refuse orders to exit the vehicle by shaking his head no and giving a thumbs down.
After a lengthy negotiation and the arrival of an armored vehicle, Kusmierski exited the vehicle and was taken into custody.
He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail and is facing the following charges.
Aggravated assault (two counts)
Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle (Armed)
Resisting Arrest without Violence
Carjacking with a Weapon