Tampa Bay briefs

By Times staff writers

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 25, 2001

Teen accused in car theft, kidnapping, injuries

TAMPA -- A 16-year-old boy was arrested for allegedly kidnapping his 13-year-old ex-girlfriend, stealing a car and hitting two pedestrians on Monday, Tampa police said.

Police Lt. Dan Lucas said the pedestrians were taken to a hospital and treated for minor injuries.

Tony Battle of 10904 N 70th St. went to his ex-girlfriend's house at about 4 p.m. Police said he asked her to go cruising with him in a 2001 Chrysler convertable, and when she refused, he dragged her into the car.

Her 16-year-old brother jumped into the car and struggled with Battle, who drove off, police said. Battle hit two pedestrians, and abandoned the car at 1109 E Yukon St., police said. He was arrested about 7 p.m. and booked.

Red Cross office hit twice in a week by thievery

TAMPA -- Twice in the past week a thief broke into the American Red Cross office, probably looking for money donated for victims of the terrorist acts, officials said.

Janet McGuire, director of public affairs for the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Red Cross, said the offices at 3310 W Main St. were burglarized Wednesday night and again over the weekend, and petty cash, video equipment and $2,400 in travelers checks were taken.

Since the attacks in New York and Washington on Sept. 11, she said, the Red Cross has received more than $200,000 in donations, but that money is immediately deposited in a bank and not kept in a local office. Officials know it was the same thief because a screwdriver stolen the first night was brought back the second night and left.

To prevent more break-ins, the office will now have a security system installed and nightly patrols, McGuire said.

Coast Guard searching for missing fishermen

CRYSTAL RIVER -- The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for two Crystal River men who went fishing Sunday and did not return.

Joe Hawk, 45, and Chris Shannon, 35, left from Ford Island Gulf Trail at 9 a.m. Sunday in a 21-foot blue and white Bayliner, the Coast Guard said. They were scheduled to return at 3 p.m.

Coast Guard search units have covered nearly 6,300 square miles searching for the men, who were known to fish for shark and grouper 13 miles offshore.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Coast Guard at (727) 824-7506.

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