Clearwater Police apprehended two armed robbery suspects shortly after they robbed a gas station and convenience store early this morning.
The incident occurred just after 2 a.m. at On The Fly, located at 3009 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd. A white male suspect, wearing a white mask, hat, and hoodie, entered the store and demanded cash while holding a knife shaped like a gun. After obtaining money from the clerk, he left the store.
The first officer arrived as the suspects’ getaway vehicle, a red Ford pickup, was departing. Another officer conducted a traffic stop, and the passenger fled the vehicle.
The passenger was apprehended nearby shortly afterward, and both suspects were arrested and taken to jail.
The arrest of the passenger was with the assistance of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It was in the parking lot near the Lowes at Gulf-to-Bay Blvd east of US-19.
Police say 36-year-old Jefferey Brooks of Largo committed the robbery and was charged with armed robbery and resisting arrest without violence, Grand Theft, and loitering and prowling.
The driver, 33-year-old James Stewart, was charged with accessory after the fact to armed robbery and possession of cocaine.
