Citizen Displays Firearm to Prevent a Possible Robbery at Largo Mall
June 9, 2014
Robery Avery’s Call to 911
Video
© 2014 IONTB.COM
At approximately 12:59 hours today the Largo Police Department received multiple calls reference a subject displaying a firearm in-front of Petsmart at Largo Mall (10500 Ulmerton Rd).
Investigation revealed two subjects were in a physical disturbance with one subject, 53 year-old Terry Smith, on the ground under a bench while another subject, 30 year old Tony Lewis, was kicking the bench. A third subject, 29 year old, Robert Avery passed by at this point. Avery was concerned for the welfare of the subject on the ground and he intervened by displaying a firearm he legal possessed. Avery ordered the subjects to disengage from each other.
At that point, Lewis fled into the PetSmart and Smith remained by the bench awaiting police. Avery immediately called the police and advised he broke up a fight where one guy was kicking toward another guy. He stated when they separated he holstered his firearm. All parties were still in the area upon the arrival of the officers.
Statements from Smith and Lewis were contradictory as to how the event began and probable cause was not established to charge either of them. Avery was trying to break up what he appeared to be a possible robbery and he immediately involved the police. Avery did not see what started the physical disturbance and was unable to help support statements from either Smith or Lewis prior to when he saw Smith on his knees by the bench while Lewis was kicking at the bench.
Investigation continues
[mappress mapid=”196″]