With handcuffs and revolver, 2 men rob store

The masked men cuff the clerk and creep around the store before escaping with cash and cigarettes.

By JANE MEINHARDT

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 8, 2000

LARGO -- Robbers handcuffed a clerk during a weekend convenience store holdup Largo police describe as unusual.

No one was injured Sunday in the robbery at the Circle K at 1411 Belcher Road. An undisclosed amount of cash and some cigarettes were stolen.

No arrests had been made late Monday, said Largo police Lt. Karla Boudrot.

The holdup happened at 5:13 a.m. when two masked men went into the store and confronted clerk Dennis A. Billeter, 55, of Largo.

One of the robbers was armed with a small revolver, police said. In addition to bandanas over their mouths and noses, the robbers were wearing knit caps pulled down and dark clothing.

The two bandits forced Billeter to the floor behind the counter. They cuffed him with his hands behind his back, Boudrot said.

Caught on videotape, the robbers crept around the store in a crouch to avoid being seen by anyone outside.

After the robbers left, Billeter rolled around on the floor until he could get up. Then he pushed an alarm to notify police. Billeter could not be reached Monday.

"It was an unusual robbery because of them using handcuffs," Boudrot said, adding that Largo police have not investigated any similar robbery.

Because the men wore masks, police did not have detailed descriptions. Both were in their late teens or early 20s, Boudrot said.

Anyone with information may call Largo investigator Steve McMullen at 587-6730.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.