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Pedestrian in hospital after 3 try to rob him

By Times Staff Writer
Published November 3, 2007

CLEARWATER

A failed armed robbery left one man hospitalized after police said he told his three attackers he didn't have any money early Friday. Keith Jones, 44, was walking near the intersection of Palm Bluff Drive and N Fort Harrison Avenue just before 2:30 a.m. when he was approached by three men who demanded money, said police spokeswoman Elizabeth Daly-Watts. After Jones told them he didn't have any, he was shot. He was taken to Bayfront Medical Center for injuries that were not life-threatening, Daly-Watts said. Jones told officers he didn't want to pursue criminal charges. Police used a tracking dog to search for the men without success.

Reward offered in fatal shooting case

Crime Stoppers of Pinellas is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Joseph Lee "Snoochie" Simmons, 21, who has been identified as a suspect in a fatal home invasion robbery and shooting in September, police said Friday. The robbery took place at 3:17 a.m. Sept. 18 at 1307 Flagler Drive. Police say Simmons and as many as three others forced their way into the home and shot two people, killing Joseph Shaw, 22, and wounding Shawanda Larry, 39. Detectives said they think it was a drug-related robbery and that Simmons may still be in the area. Tipsters can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477 (TIPS) or the Clearwater police 24-hour hotline at 562-4080 and choose option No. 2.

Marching bands will compete today

Expect exciting and dramatic performances from 17 local high school marching bands as they compete for top scores at the Florida Bandmasters Association Marching Performance Assessment from 3 to 8 p.m. today at Clearwater High School, 540 S Hercules Ave. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and younger. Parking is free. Concessions will be available. Call (727) 430-1201.

TARPON SPRINGS

Man accused of molesting girl, 11

A Tarpon Springs man was arrested this week in Pasco County on a count of molesting a preteen girl. Jason Clapp, 35, is accused of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl several times between June 2006 and January, according to a report from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. Clapp, 707 Chesapeake Drive, was charged with sexual battery. He was being held Friday in lieu of $100,000 bail at the Pasco County Jail in Land O'Lakes.

[Last modified November 2, 2007, 22:43:37]