A Florida man, Peter Owens, was arrested after assaulting a Walgreens store manager with a Bible on Easter Sunday. The incident occurred at a store in Clearwater Beach on March 31, resulting in Owens being charged with felony battery. Owens got into a verbal altercation with the store manager after arguing with an employee over headphones, ultimately smacking her in the face with a Bible when she asked him to leave. This was not Owens’ first run-in with the law, as he had a prior conviction for battery in 2020. He was located and taken into custody by police, claiming he hit the store manager because she was being rude.
Owens was released from the Pinellas County Jail the next day after posting a $5,000 bond. However, his criminal activities did not cease as less than 24 hours after his release, Owens was arrested again in a separate incident. According to an affidavit from the Tarpon Springs Police Department, Owens allegedly stole men’s shoes and a box of Cheez-Its from Walmart. He grabbed the snacks and took them into the bathroom, then selected a pair of shoes, removing the tag, trying them on, and attempting to steal them by placing them in a duffle bag. Owens was stopped by a loss prevention officer upon exiting the store without paying, leading to another arrest and transfer to the Pinellas County Jail. He remains in custody on a $150 bond as of Wednesday afternoon.
Following the arrest at Walgreens, Owens was charged with felony battery for assaulting the store manager with a Bible. He was taken into custody after police located him and he admitted hitting the manager because he believed she was being rude to him. Despite posting a bond of $5,000, Owens was arrested again within 24 hours for stealing men’s shoes and Cheez-Its from Walmart. He was stopped by a loss prevention officer as he tried to leave the store without paying, leading to another arrest and his current incarceration at Pinellas County Jail on $150 bond.
The incident at Walgreens unfolded after Owens entered the store to purchase headphones, sparking a verbal argument with an employee over the merchandise. The situation escalated when the store manager became involved and asked Owens to leave, resulting in him hitting her with a Bible. Owens’ prior criminal history includes a conviction for battery in March 2020, suggesting a pattern of aggressive behavior. His explanation for hitting the store manager was that he felt she was being rude to him, demonstrating a lack of remorse for his actions.
Owens’ arrests raise concerns about his propensity for violence and theft, as demonstrated by his actions at both Walgreens and Walmart. The fact that he was arrested twice within a short period is indicative of a potential pattern of criminal behavior that poses a threat to the community. Owens’ disregard for the law and lack of accountability for his actions suggest a need for intervention and rehabilitation to address the underlying issues contributing to his criminal conduct. By remaining in custody, he is unable to commit further offenses and may have the opportunity to receive the necessary support and guidance to break the cycle of criminal behavior.
Overall, the series of events involving Peter Owens highlights the importance of addressing mental health and behavioral issues that can contribute to criminal behavior. His actions at both Walgreens and Walmart reflect a pattern of aggression, impulsivity, and disregard for the rights of others. By holding Owens accountable for his offenses and providing appropriate interventions, there is hope for rehabilitation and a chance to break the cycle of criminal behavior. The swift response by law enforcement in apprehending Owens after both incidents demonstrates a commitment to ensuring public safety and holding individuals accountable for their actions, ultimately working towards a safer community for all.
