St. Petersburg Police arrested 39-year-old Eugene Warren Thomas of St. Petersburg on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in connection with an attempted strong-arm robbery at the Amscot located at 2551 34th Street South.
According to the arrest affidavit, the incident occurred at approximately 10:07 a.m. when Thomas entered the business and approached two employees. Officers say Thomas handed a note under the interior partition that stated, “This is a robbery, give me the money.” No weapon was seen or implied.
Police state that Thomas’ actions indicated an attempt to deprive the business of U.S. currency. The victims reported being placed in fear during the encounter.
Thomas did not provide any statements after being read his Miranda rights.
The affidavit notes that Thomas has prior Amscot robbery-related cases. In 2015 and again in 2021, he was linked to a robbery or attempted robbery at the Amscot located at 1300 34th Street North. His 2022 arrest occurred at the exact location as the current case: Amscot at 2551 34th Street South.
Thomas was charged with Robbery (Strong Arm), a second-degree felony. His bond was set at $50,000, and he was booked into the Pinellas County Jail, where he remains as of Thursday morning.