Tactical Armed Invasion Injures One; Suspects Still At Large

Armed assailants pretending to be law enforcement kicked in the front door inside Windemere Apartments demanding the contents of a safe shortly before 6 a.m. Sunday.

One man received minor injuries and was treated at the scene, according to Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies.

Three to five assailants are still at large. They are described as black males, wearing dark bandanas and armed with handguns. Some have tattoos on their arms.

Deputies believe there to be a drug connection between the victims and the attackers.

Seven people were inside the apartment. Three of them are related. Four others are friends, deputies report. Names have not yet been released.

According to deputies, three to five armed men with dark bandanas covering their faces kicked in a front door at about 5:30 a.m. inside Windemere Apartments where seven occupants were sleeping.

The suspects shouted that they were "Police," ordered the occupants into the living room, and demanded a safe, authorities report. One of the occupants resisted and attempted to flee. He was struck several times in the face with a handgun and thrown against a glass door, authorities report. He was treated for several cuts to the face and nose. He was treated and released at the scene.

The suspects got the safe and fled. It is unclear whether they fled on foot or by vehicle, authorities reprot.

The safe reportedly contained an undisclosed amount of cash, some paperwork, a wallet and keys.

Pinellas County Sheriff's Deputies are asking that anyone with information call 727-582-6200. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS.

The investigation is ongoing.

Stay with Patch for updates.

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