PINELLAS PARK – Pinellas Park Police arrested 57-year-old Stephen Houpt after a violent home invasion shortly after 4 p.m. on August 12, 2025, at 7902 72nd Way N.
Officers responded to the residence for an in-progress home invasion robbery. Upon arrival, Houpt was found lying on the living room floor with multiple stab wounds. Victims McKenzie Bray and James Allen were also located with injuries. Officers provided medical aid to Houpt until paramedics arrived. He was transported to a local trauma center for treatment.
Investigators determined that Houpt came to the home while Bray was alone. Believing the visitor to be the mailman, Bray opened the door. Houpt forced his way inside, struck her in the head, and tied her up. He remained in the residence until Allen arrived, then attacked him with a weapon, inflicting multiple cuts.
During the struggle, Allen armed himself with a weapon from within the home and stabbed Houpt several times in self-defense.
Houpt, known to the victims as a handyman who had recently completed repairs at their home, remains hospitalized in stable condition. Upon release, he will be booked into the Pinellas County Jail.
Both victims were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Houpt, who is listed as a transient, is facing the following charges:
- Home Invasion Robbery
- Two counts of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon
- False Imprisonment