Pinellas Deputies Make Arrests In Gulf Boulevard Shootings

ST PETE BEACH - Pinellas County detectives have arrested two men in the shootings along Gulf Boulevard over the weekend. The suspects were identified as Bailey Jenkins and Thomas Loudin, both 18 years old. Detectives say the firearm used in the shootings was a high-powered pellet gun.

A Texas man visiting St. Pete Beach was shot around midnight Saturday as he was walking near a St. Pete Beach hotel, deputies said. Earlier that night in Treasure Island, city police received a call from an Uber driver who said someone passing by in a vehicle had thrown an object at her car, creating a hole in a rear window. The window was shattered, but the driver and passenger were not injured. Police later confirmed that the damage was caused by a bullet. In both shootings, a white car was spotted on Gulf Boulevard, which runs through both St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island.

Both suspects admitted to drinking alcohol, shooting randomly at objects and at the victim 51-year-old Kurt Alan Lang of Dallas, who was walking with his cousin near the Beachcomber Resort, 6200 Gulf Blvd. in St Pete Beach. Lang suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Loudin was arrested at his home, 6411 Pelican Drive South in St.Petersburg. He was charged with one count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and one count shooting or throwing a deadly missile into an occupied vehicle.

Jenkins was arrested near his home, 40110 U.S. 19 N in Tarpon Springs. He was charged with one count principal, with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and transported to the Pinellas County Jail. The investigation continues and more charges are likely to follow, deputies said.

Detectives say the charge of shooting or throwing a deadly missile into an occupied vehicle is in reference to the Treasure Island case. The case was investigated jointly by the sheriff's office and the Treasure Island Police Department.

A resident at the Treasure Island scene had video surveillance, and an image of the suspect vehicle was captured.

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