Jerry Baker, age 35, was arrested following an altercation that occurred shortly after noon on Thursday, December 26, 2019. The incident occurred at the Publix Supermarket located at 10500 Ulmerton Road in the Largo Mall.
According to the arrest affidavit, Baker entered the Publix Supermarket and took possession of a 24 pack of Budweiser beer. He walked past the cash registers and was met by a store employee at the front door. He stated, “you got me” and dropped the beer causing it to shatter while leaving the store.
A few minutes later, Baker entered the store irate about previously being stopped for the attempted retail theft. He demanded to speak with the store manager and began to chase an employee and another manager while attempting to strike them. The employee reported having to duck out of the way to avoid being struck by Baker. The incident was witnessed by a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Deputy.
The deputy attempted to restrain Baker which caused both of them to fall to the ground. While on the ground, Baker continued to resist, intentionally spitting on the deputy’s arms several times. He reportedly attempted to kick and knee the deputy several times during the physical struggle.
Officer from the Largo Police Department arrived and were able to take the subject into custody along with many more deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies utilized a fingerprint scanner to identify Baker as he refused to identify himself. He reportedly continued to only yell obscenities at officers.
Baker is also charged with spitting on the officer, multiple times, that transported him to the Pinellas County Jail.
The entire altercation was recorded on the Publix surveillance cameras.
Baker is listed as a transient living in Largo. This is his 13th arrest in Pinellas according to county records.
Baker was charged with the following: Obstructing or resisting an officer without violence, Simple assault (two counts), Battery of a law enforcement officer (two counts), Resisting an officer with violence, and Felony petit theft.
His current booking photo is not available.