Clearwater Woman Arrested After Gun Incident at Clearwater smoke shop.
Clearwater Police arrested a woman on multiple charges following a gun-related incident at the SPARK 8 Smoke Shop & Hookah Lounge on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. The event occurred at approximately 11:20 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024.
Kelley Karabinos, 36, was involved in a verbal altercation inside the store and was escorted out by a security guard. According to police, Karabinos then retrieved a firearm from her vehicle, pointed it at the security guard, and attempted to fire multiple times. The gun malfunctioned, preventing it from discharging.
Karabinos re-entered her vehicle, continued to aim the gun at the victim, and again attempted to fire before fleeing the scene. Shortly after officers arrived, she returned to the area. The security guard identified her as the suspect, and when officers initiated a traffic stop, Karabinos initially fled before being pulled over near Turner Street and S Glenwood Avenue.
She faces charges of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, driving under the influence, and fleeing and eluding. Upon being processed at the Pinellas County Jail, an additional charge was added for introducing contraband after three bullets were found hidden in her bra.
Karabinos remains in custody as the investigation continues.