Teen Attempts To Rob Another Boy, Fires Gun: Pinellas Deputies

SEMINOLE, FL - A 17-year-old boy was arrested Friday morning after he attempted to rob another boy with a handgun and fired the gun near a Seminole business, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say 17-year-old Rey Alejandro Romero and two juveniles - a 15-year-old boy and a 15-year old girl - were outside Rita's, 13147 86th Ave., Seminole, when Romero took out a gun and pointed it at the boy. Romero told the boy to give him his belongings.

When the boy refused, Romero fired the gun at the ground to scare him. All three juveniles then fled from the business. None of the juveniles were injured.

Rita’s owner 65-year-old Anthony Coppola reported seeing three juveniles on the west side of his business when he heard what sounded like a gunshot. Deputies say Coppola pressed the panic alarm at the business to alert the sheriff’s office.

Due to the proximity to Seminole High School, Seminole Middle School and Bauder Elementary School, the schools went into lockdown as a safety precaution.

Romero was transported to Pinellas County Juvenile Assessment Center where he was charged with attempted armed robbery, tampering with physical evidence, obstruction and minor in possession of a firearm.

Image via Shutterstock; 2nd image via Pinellas Sheriff's Office