A 28-year-old St. Petersburg man, Ludwig Charles, was arrested on charges of strong-arm robbery and petit theft on July 25, following incidents at a CVS Pharmacy and Johnny’s Smoke Shop in the 3700 block of Ulmerton Road in Pinellas County.
According to police reports, Charles was apprehended after he knowingly and unlawfully obtained three bottles of orange juice and sour candy, with an estimated $10.16.
Charles entered the CVS Pharmacy, collected the items, and then jumped on top of the register counter before leaving the store without paying. Following this incident, he moved on to Johnny’s Smoke Shop, where the situation escalated.
Once inside the smoke shop, Charles jumped over the counter and threatened to shoot when confronted by the store’s employee. He claimed he had accomplices waiting outside in a car, armed with guns. However, no weapons or accomplices were ever seen or identified.
Charles proceeded to take various items of tobacco and rolling papers from the store. The total value of the stolen items was estimated to be approximately one hundred dollars. Subsequently, he fled the scene on foot, but a quick police response led to his apprehension. He was eventually located at a nearby pawn shop.
The Johnny’s Smoke Shop victim positively identified Charles as the suspect responsible for the robbery and theft. Upon being taken into custody, the suspect exercised his right to remain silent, declining to answer any questions from the authorities.
Charles is facing charges of petit theft, strong arm robbery, resisting arrest without violence, and criminal mischief and booked into the Pinellas County Jail.