Palm Harbor Man Accused of Impersonating a Firefighter at All Children's Hospital

A Palm Harbor man is accused of impersonating a firefighter at All Children's Hospital in downtown St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg Police say that Robert Louis Spalla, 22, identified himself to hospital staff as a St. Petersburg Firefighter. Spalla was wearing a blue jumpsuit similar to jumpsuits worn by fire department personnel. He told hospital employees he had been a firefighter for five years and showed them a pager and said he was "on-call". While at the hospital, Spalla also asked hospital employees for food vouchers and a free gas card.

It did not appear as though Spalla had mental health issues or was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to an arrest affidavit.

St. Petersburg Police say Spalla has never been a firefighter in Florida. He has a tattoo that says "Fire Rescue", according to a Pinellas County Jail charge report.

The incident happened at 2 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2012. Spalla was arrested on one charge of felony impersonating a firefighter on Feb. 27, 2013 in connection with the incident.

Related-

Palm Harbor Jail Bookings: Feb. 27- March 3

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