A man has been arrested for alleged battery, robbery, and grand theft auto. The incident occurred at approximately 9:51 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
The victim, who recently broke up with 32-year-old Emir Ciceklic of Dunedin, met him at the Belleair Boat Ramp at 3900 West Bay Drive. During a verbal altercation, Ciceklic allegedly struck the victim multiple times in the face with a closed fist, causing her to fall. She suffered several loose front teeth and a split bottom lip, which required eight stitches.
Ciceklic took the victim’s leather satchel/purse containing her iPhone, leaving her unable to call for help. Witnesses at the scene called 911 and assisted the victim.
Ciceklic then entered the victim’s Toyota Rav4 and fled eastbound on West Bay Drive. Deputies began searching for the vehicle and requested air support. A deputy located the vehicle traveling northbound on Missouri Avenue. Other deputies converged on the area and attempted a traffic stop at Court Street. Ciceklic fled westbound in the eastbound lanes, crashing at the intersection of Court Street and Ewing Avenue. Two people were transported to the hospital, and a Duke Energy utility pole was damaged. After the crash, Ciceklic attempted to flee on foot but was tased and apprehended by deputies.
In the vehicle, deputies found a red backpack containing Ciceklic’s wallet, identification card, and a needle with a clear liquid that tested presumptively positive for fentanyl.
Ciceklic faces multiple charges, including:
- Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle
- Robbery by Sudden Snatching
- Felony Battery
- Aggravated Battery
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Grand Theft of a Controlled Substance
- Driving with a Suspended/Revoked License
- Resisting an Officer without Violence
- Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Injury
- Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding Police Officer