No Arrest Made in Alleged Armed Robbery

A teen who misled authorities and accused Dunedin residents of robbing him at knifepoint was not arrested, deputies report.

The 15-year-old claimed he was robbed while walking on Beltrees Street in the afternoon on Aug. 16.

Providing false information to a law enforcement officer is a misdemeanor, according to Florida Statutes 817.49. However, no charges were filed.

The teen alleged he was approached by a man and a woman, and that one of them asked to use his cell phone. When he handed it over, he said the man pulled out a knife. The teen told authorities the man demanded he empty his pockets, which contained $100 in $10 and $20 bills, and then fled the scene, according to Pinellas County Sheriff's.

The teen told deputies he followed his alleged assailants to their home on the 700 block of Beltrees Street and began repeatedly yelling and banging on the door. He continued with this story, telling authorities that when the residents did not answer the door, he walked around and found his cell phone at the south entrance, and called his uncle to tell him he'd been robbed. 

His uncle reportedly came to the home and suggested he contact police.

When deputies arrived, the alleged suspects answered the door and said they knew the teen and admitted to owing him $100 for narcotics they bought from him.

The teen's uncle realized his nephew had lied to him, deputies said.

Authorities determined no crime had been committed and closed the case out as "unfounded."

No arrests were made.