Clearwater Police detectives have filed charges against 30-year-old Herbert McClellan of Clearwater. McClellan faces charges of attempted murder, among others, following a violent altercation.
The incident occurred on the beach shortly before 4 a.m. on Sunday, September 17, 2023, behind 635 South Gulfview Boulevard, where McClellan assaulted a 43-year-old man. The victim endured a brutal beating, lasting for over three minutes, during which McClellan reportedly punched, kicked, and stomped on him.
The severity of the injuries prompted Bayflite’s response to the scene. They landed at Sand Key Park and transported the victim to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, where he remains in critical condition after undergoing emergency surgery.
According to arrest documentation, the victim and McClellan became acquainted at a beach bar near the incident. They agreed to relocate to a small beachfront behind 635 S. Gulfview Blvd, where they consumed alcohol together.
The arrest affidavit indicates that while on the beach together, McClellan suddenly and without provocation attacked the victim, rendering him unconscious by striking him multiple times in the head. After the initial strike, which rendered the victim unconscious, he continued beating, hitting, kicking, and stomping the victim for approximately three and a half minutes. McClellan admitted to striking the victim multiple times and admitted to stomping on the victim, who was on the ground, and offering no resistance. McClellan also stole the victim’s iPhone and bank card after the attack.
The attack was observed by a nearby witness and recorded on nearby security cameras. At no point is the victim ever seen acting aggressively toward the defendant.
McClellan’s extensive criminal history in Pinellas County, including nearly two dozen prior arrests, left him on probation for drug charges.
In addition to the attempted murder charge, he faces allegations of strong-arm robbery and probation violation. Following his arrest, McClellan was booked into the Pinellas County Jail.
Tweet from Clearwater Police following an arrest in 2020
So much for being lucky at the lottery. Herbert McClellan stole 13 scratch-off tickets from a convenience store and immediately tried to see if any were winners. When one was a $30 winner, he went back to the same store to cash it in. Officers were called, and he's in jail now. pic.twitter.com/H8wiLgebJx
— Clearwater Police Department (@myclearwaterPD) August 20, 2020