Police: Bad timing thwarts robbery

A man tried to rob a store that many officers visit, authorities say. An arrest is made just outside the store.

By DEBORAH O'NEIL

© St. Petersburg Times, published December 1, 2000

LARGO -- Before dawn Thursday morning, police say a 35-year-old Clearwater man attempted to rob the one convenience store in Largo that all the late-night officers frequent.

And he tried to get away just as Largo police Officer Mark Gluski pulled into the parking lot.

The ordeal ended with Karl Joey Lowe running right into the officer outside the Split Second store at 1200 East Bay Drive, authorities said.

"The guy chose the place where all the police officers go on the midnight shift to take breaks," said Lt. Carla Boudrot.

It began before 2:45 a.m. when police say Lowe of 1600 Lakeview Drive in Clearwater entered the store and picked up some merchandise. When he approached the register, he told the clerks he had a gun and wanted them to open the cash drawer, Boudrot said. As one of the clerks talked to Lowe, another called 911.

As Lowe realized police were being called, he turned to run away. He never got any money from the clerks, Boudrot said.

As the call was being dispatched, Gluski turned into the store parking lot and overheard it.

"It was happening simultaneously," Boudrot said.

Boudrot said Lowe head-butted the officer as he tried to get away. But he was captured and arrested on charges of attempted robbery and assault on a police officer. He was being held at the Pinellas County Jail on Thursday on $30,000 bail.

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