Charges follow weekend fracas

After a fight in St. Pete Beach, one man faces battery charges; another is charged with attempted homicide.

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 9, 2000

ST. PETE BEACH -- A 30-year-old St. Petersburg man was arrested Wednesday and charged with battery in connection with a weekend scuffle in St. Pete Beach that resulted in two men being hit by a car, authorities said.

Francis Paul Revello, of 3630 Second Ave. N, posted $150 bail Thursday and was released from the Pinellas County Jail.

St. Pete Beach police still are seeking the man they say was driving the car, Robert Joseph Ray, 28, of 6167 Seventh Ave. N, St. Petersburg. St. Pete Beach Detective Ron Russo said a warrant had been issued for Ray's arrest on three charges of attempted homicide.

The incident began, authorities said, when one of a trio of men made an offensive comment to Ray's girlfriend. Revello and Ray followed the three men to 23rd Avenue in St. Pete Beach. A fight ensued, which resulted in the battery charge against Revello.

Ray then got into his car and attempted to run down the three men. He struck Ryan Conkel, 22, of 3813 Gulf Blvd. No. 408, St. Pete Beach, wheeled his car around, and hit Conkel again, Russo said. Conkel suffered scrapes and bruises, but was not seriously injured, Russo said.

The car then struck Bryan Lynch, 24, 100 1/2 23rd Ave., St. Pete Beach, breaking several bones and sending him to the hospital. Lynch was in stable condition Thursday at Palms of Pasadena Hospital.

The third man, James Shelton, 24, of 525 73rd Ave., St. Pete Beach, was not hit.

Authorities are asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ray to call Russo at 363-9200.

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