The 17 year old used a handgun to try robbing another teen and fired the weapon near a business in Seminole, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

SEMINOLE – A St. Petersburg teen is accused of firing a handgun while trying to rob a Seminole High School student, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said.

Rey Alejandro Romero, 17, of St. Petersburg, was charged with attempted armed robbery, tampering with physical evidence, obstruction, and minor in possession of a firearm.

Deputies said they were called to Rita’s Italian Ice, 13147 86th Ave.in Seminole, about 8:24 a.m. Friday (Nov. 17).  The owner of the business, Anthony Coppola, 65, told deputies he saw three juveniles on the west side of his business when he heard what sounded like a gunshot. The three fled.

Because Seminole High, Seminole Middle, and Bauder Elementary schools are close by, the schools went into lock-down as a safety precaution.

When deputies arrived, they detained Romero and a 15-year-old girl who was a witness. Deputies later found the other boy.

Deputies said Romero and the two 15-year olds were congregating at the Rita’s when Romero took out a gun and pointed it at the 15-year-old boy. Romero told the the boy to give him his belongings. The boy refused so Romero pointed the gun at the ground and fired the gun to scare the 15 year old. All three of the juveniles fled.

Deputies said they believe the incident was drug-related; however, no drugs were found.

For information about the Pinellas sheriff, go to pcsoweb.com.

Pinellas Sheriff | Crime | Attempted Armed Robbery | Seminole High | Arrests | Tampabay News

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