Arrested Armed Robbery Suspect Used Assault Rifle
Release Number: 09-186
Who:
Arrested:
Stephen P. Attore
DOB: 11/10/76
Address: 247 Meadow Oak Lane - Tarpon Springs
Charges:
Aggravated Assault
Robbery with a Deadly Weapon or Firearm
Burglary to an Unoccupied Dwelling
Armed Robbery/Armed Kidnapping - Hillsborough County Warrant
Victims
Staff at Papa John's Pizza
18378 US Highway 19 North - Clearwater
What: Attore was arrested late on August 5th in connection with the armed robbery of a Pappa John's Pizza in Pinellas County on July 25th and a hotel in Tampa on July 26th. He was arrested on a warrant from Hillsborough County, based upon an anonymous tip to the Pinellas County Crime Stoppers Tip Line program.
Attore allegedly used an assault rifle in the robberies. Investigators are currently working to recover the rifle.
Where: The Pinellas armed robbery occurred at the Papa John's Pizza, located at 18378 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater.
When: Attore was arrested at his Tarpon Springs residence without incident, Wednesday afternoon, August 5, 2009.
The armed robbery at Pappa John's Pizza occurred on July 25, 2009.
How/Why: Armed robbery suspect Stephen Attore was arrested in Pinellas County in connection with armed robbery cases on both sides of Tampa Bay. Tampa Police Department investigators and Pinellas County Sheriff's detectives are working together to solve a series of armed robberies where Attore is believed to be involved - specifically, a Papa John's Pizza in Pinellas and a hotel in Tampa. Detectives say he may be linked to others.
Yesterday's arrest is due to an anonymous tip received by the Pinellas County Crime Stoppers program on the 24 hour TipLine, and information provided to both agencies through witnesses.
Please contact the Tampa Police PIO for their case/arrest information.
Pinellas detectives say the suspect was armed with an assault rifle when committing the Pinellas area crimes. No one was hurt, and Pinellas and Tampa detectives are working to recover the gun.
Attore's arrest records reveal that he has been arrested numerous times - primarily for burglaries - before allegedly committing the recent armed robberies.
The investigation continues, and more charges are possible.
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