News Summary
A 24-year-old man, Deanjay Enrique Roberts, was arrested for burglary at Tyrone Square Mall after being found hiding under a mattress in Macy’s. The incident occurred early Thursday before the store opened. An employee raised the alarm, leading to a quick police response. Roberts faces felony burglary charges for his actions during the incident, including changing into Macy’s clothing. He is currently in custody, awaiting an initial court appearance. This event highlights ongoing security concerns in retail spaces early in the morning.
St. Petersburg Police arrested a 24-year-old man for burglary at Tyrone Square Mall after he was found hiding under a mattress inside Macy’s Department Store early on Thursday. The incident occurred just before 6 a.m., shortly before the store was set to open to the public.
The alarm was raised by a Macy’s employee who arrived early to prepare for the day’s operations. Upon discovering an intruder inside the store, the employee promptly exited and called 911. Police units responded quickly and arrived on the scene within minutes.
Upon entering the store, officers conducted a thorough search and located Deanjay Enrique Roberts hiding under a mattress in the bedding department on the second floor. His arrest led to charges of felony burglary of an unoccupied structure.
The charges against Roberts were heightened due to his actions during the burglary. It was reported that he changed his clothing; he removed his gray T-shirt and put on a blue denim jacket that belonged to Macy’s, valued at approximately $30. This detail contributed to the felony burglary charge against him.
Roberts has since been booked into the Pinellas County Jail and is awaiting an initial court appearance, where he will face the charges brought against him. The legal proceedings will determine the outcome based on the evidence surrounding the incident.
This event highlights ongoing concerns regarding security within retail environments, particularly in unoccupied spaces during early morning hours. Burglary incidents can disrupt business operations and create safety concerns for employees and shoppers alike.
Investigations into the broader implications of such events continue, with local law enforcement emphasizing the importance of vigilance in preventing similar occurrences. The authorities encourage businesses to maintain comprehensive security protocols, especially during non-operational hours, to protect assets and ensure the safety of their staff.
The Tyrone Square Mall remains a popular shopping destination in St. Petersburg. Despite this incident, it continues to serve the community by providing various retail options, dining experiences, and entertainment venues. Local shoppers and visitors can expect to find a variety of stores and services upon the mall’s opening hours, including Macy’s, which will maintain regular hours despite the recent burglary.
As the situation unfolds, both law enforcement and the mall management are likely to review policies and protocols to prevent future incidents and ensure a safe shopping experience for all patrons.
Law enforcement officials remind the public that prompt reporting of suspicious activity is crucial for community safety. The response from the Macy’s employee serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive communication with authorities to address potential threats.
The case against Deanjay Enrique Roberts serves as a potential reminder for other individuals considering illegal activities, underscoring that law enforcement remains vigilant and responsive to incidents such as this.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chuck’s Arcade Opens in St. Petersburg, Florida
BayCare Health System Expands Its Facilities in St. Petersburg
BayCare Health System Acquires Barnes & Noble Location
Pepe’s Cantina Mexican Grill Opens in St. Petersburg
Additional Resources
- WTSP: Man Stages Attack
- Iontb: St. Petersburg Man Charged
- St. Pete Catalyst: Sheriff Targets Looters
- Fox 13 News: K-9 Taco Retires
- Click Orlando: Polk County Theft Ring
- Wikipedia: Burglary
- Google Search: Burglary Prevention
- Google Scholar: Burglary Statistics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Burglary
- Google News: Burglary News
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
