Store clerk seriously hurt during gas theft

ELFERS -- A convenience store clerk injured while trying to stop a customer from stealing gas Wednesday was in serious condition at a St. Petersburg hospital Thursday, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Pasco County sheriff's detectives continued searching for the man who dragged Karam Zaki, 34, of Tarpon Springs, about 450 feet on Perrine Ranch Road at about 4:20 p.m. Wednesday. No arrests have been made.

Sheriff's deputies said an unknown man arrived at the Shell station, 2411 Seven Springs Blvd., and pumped $15 worth of gas into his silver or light green car. Zaki thought the man was planning to drive off without paying, so he walked outside, another clerk told deputies.

The man and Zaki argued, and the man drove off, apparently pulling Zaki along, according to a report. Witnesses told deputies that they saw Zaki hanging from the driver's side door and that the driver punched and kicked Zaki.

When deputies arrived, Zaki was lying on the side of the road with severe lacerations on his face. He was drifting in and out of consciousness, and was flown to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Jeff Bousquet (800) 854-2862, ext. 7481.

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