Pinellas Park Police

Update on armed robbery at Wal-Mart from 8-30-2007

*** Arrest Made ***

PP 2007-25427

Pinellas Park detectives have made one arrest in the armed robbery of Wal-Mart investigation.  Arrested is CARLOS W. RODRIGUEZ, dob/ 6-15-1981.  He was arrested by Pinellas Park detectives as he appeared for a pre-trial hearing at the Pinellas County courthouse this morning at 9: 00 AM.

After the robbery occurred, investigating officers had the crime scene processed by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Forensic Unit.  The Forensic Technicians were able to collect fingerprints from areas known to have been touched or handled by the two suspects.  Forensics developed the prints and obtained an identity match from their AFIS system.  Rodriguez was identified, and running a records check through the court system, it was noted that he was to appear for a pre-trial hearing this morning on burglary and drug charges at the county courthouse.  Detectives went to the courthouse and coordinated with the Sheriff's Office bailiffs and took Rodriguez into custody as he appeared in the courtroom.

The second suspect is still at large along with the stolen electronics and the weapon used in the robbery.

Carlos Rodriguez is currently being questioned at the Pinellas Park Police Station.  He will be "walked" to a transport unit at approximately 11:45 AM.  The walk will be from the front doors of the police station to 59th Street where a police car will be parked.  The Police Station s located at 7700 59th Street Pinellas Park.

August 30, 2007
Occ - 5:50 AM

Robbery
Walmart 8001 US 19 N Pinellas Park

Case# 2007-25427

No Injuries
No shots fired

Two male subjects entered the Wal-Mart Supercenter through the general merchandise entrance and grabbed two shopping carts.  The two subjects went to the electronics & automotive section and loaded the carts with mobile DVD screens, car stereo equipment, a laptop computer and a desktop computer.  A store employee saw the type of merchandise that was in the carts and recognized that some of the equipment came from a locked cabinet and this employee had the only key to that cabinet.  The employee alerted other employees watch these two individuals.  With the carts loaded with electronics, the two subjects bypassed the checkout lines and headed for the exit.  They were confronted by the assistant manager who told them to stop.  At this point one of the subjects produced a MAC-10 firearm from beneath his jacket and pointed it at the assistant manager telling him to back off.  The manager did not pursue them and allowed them to leave.  The two subjects headed toward a maroon pickup truck parked outside and loaded the electronics into the back bed.  Another employee approached them and again the subject pointed the MAC-10 at the employee.  The two subjects drove away last seen headed north on US 19. 

Suspects are described as:

#1 – W/M, mid 20's, med build, longsleeve White shirt, Dark baggy shorts, baseball cap
#2 – W/M, mid 20's, med build,  dark jacket, long dark pants, baseball cap.

Vehicle – late model maroon small pickup truck, possibly Ford Ranger extended cab.

Investigating Detective – Detective Michael Lynch ph-727-541-0797

Auth. Capt S. A. Forseth