Five suspects have been arrested in connection to an armed robbery at a bar in the Lealman area of St. Petersburg.
Deputies were dispatched to an armed robbery in progress at the Twin Horse Saloon in St. Petersburg after midnight on Thursday, October 8.
According to witnesses, four armed and masked suspects had entered the establishment, robbed patrons and employees of cash and cell phones.
One suspect held a gun to a bartender's head and demanded cash. Deputies say the suspects battered patrons with hands and fists, and at least one bar patron was struck with a pool cue.
Upon arrival deputies observed two suspects running west from the business and entering a waiting vehicle. Patrol deputies initiated a pursuit, and utilized the PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle in the area of Shore Acres Boulevard and 14th Lane North East.
Deputies apprehended the driver, identified as 36-year-old Troy M. Griffin Sr. He was subsequently transported to Bayfront Medical Center after he complained of neck injuries.
Deputies say four other males exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Deputies say one of the suspects, later identified as 20-year-old Troy M. Griffin Jr., was observed to be carrying a firearm.
The Sheriff's K9 Unit responded, located and apprehended all four males.
Deputies say Griffin Jr. was located in nearby backyard. Tevin Major, 23, was located hiding inside a shed. Craig Koonce, 18, was located in a nearby backyard. Deputies say he broke his right leg as he was fleeing from deputies and was transported to Bayfront Medical Center for treatment. Juwann Robert, 18, was located in the Intracoastal Waterway hiding near a boat.
According to investigators, one firearm, a 357 Ruger revolver, which had been reported stolen from Bradenton, was recovered in a nearby backyard.
All suspects were subsequently transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident. They face charges including armed robbery.
The men are also suspects in a string of recent armed robberies of bars in Manatee County.