Juvenile Suspect Arrested for Armed Robbery on Pinellas Trail in Seminole

Posted: February 1, 2015 – 10:45PM

According to deputies from the Pinellas Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, identified as 16-year-old Tavorik Tingling of Largo, approached two juvenile females that were rollerblading on the Pinellas trail. This incident occurred near Walsingham Road along the trail at about 5:58 PM.   Deputies say Tingling pointed a gun at the females and demanded their cell phones. He further demanded their passwords to unlock the phones. The female victims complied and the suspect fled on foot.

Deputies say a short time later, Tingling pointed a gun at another juvenile victim riding a bike, in an attempt to commit a robbery. The victim continued riding and got away.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office, through various investigative techniques, deputies were able to locate the suspect at a private residence on 116th Avenue North.   The “Eagle” and K-9 assets were also utilized in the search.  Deputies made contact with the suspect and arrested him for armed robbery and attempted armed robbery.

Deputies recovered the victims’ cell phones along with the gun used in the robbery. The weapon was subsequently determined to have been stolen during a previous vehicle burglary.

Furthermore, deputies found the suspect to be in possession of a backpack that contained various electronic devices, wallets and credit cards.

Detectives say Tingling admitted to previously stealing items from various vehicles.

Additional charges may be forthcoming during the continuing investigation.