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Four teens are charged in robbery of woman, 70

Police say the incident could be related to an earlier attempted robbery in a parking lot.

By Times Staff Writer
Published March 7, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - Police have arrested four teenagers they believe are responsible for trying to rob two elderly women in two different shopping center parking lots Wednesday afternoon.

One of the victims was injured and broke her leg when she was dragged by a car.

Three teenagers were arrested on a felony charge of robbery by snatching, police said. Another teenager, who led police to the other three, was arrested on a charge of fleeing and eluding.

The first incident took place at 1055 62nd Ave. N in a parking lot shared by a Big Lots and a Winn-Dixie. Michaels Blanca, 62, felt a tug on her shoulder as she was returning a shopping cart. A young man in a car was trying to take her purse.

Blanca was dragged by the car. She suffered a broken leg and scratches to her face.

Later Wednesday, young men in a car snatched a purse from Deanna Jacobs, 70, in a Publix parking lot at 200 37th Ave. N.

After police arrested Kendrick Butler, 16, on a charge of fleeing and eluding, Butler identified three of his friends: Jamontae Morris, 16; Chester Robinson, 17; and Anthony Debose, 18, police said.

Police arrested all three on one count each of robbery by snatching in connection with the second incident. Police believe the teens may be responsible for both incidents.

[Last modified March 7, 2008, 00:39:07]