HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A Florida man is facing felony charges after a violent jewelry store robbery at University Square Mall led to a multi-agency pursuit that ended in Pinellas County.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said authorities arrested Mahlique Booth, 28, on June 26 after he allegedly posed as a customer at a jewelry store before attempting to steal a necklace. Investigators say the situation turned violent when the store owner confronted him.
During the struggle, Booth is accused of assaulting the owner, shattering a display case and fleeing with about $50,000 worth of jewelry, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies tracked the suspect vehicle with help from HCSO’s Aviation Unit, following it into St. Petersburg as the pursuit intensified.
Aerial video captures the urgency of the chase as deputies worked to contain the suspect. As the pursuit moved into a neighborhood, deputies warned each other to prepare for a possible stop.
Cul-de-sac at the end of Murphy. Get ready.”
Moments later, the situation escalated as the driver maneuvered unpredictably.
“He’s trying to come towards you. Watch out,” an HCSO deputy said. The chase ultimately came to a halt at a dead end. “Dead end of Murphy Avenue at the cul-de-sac,” the deputy said as authorities closed in on Booth.
Booth was taken into custody without further incident in St. Petersburg, according to HCSO. He is charged with robbery and criminal mischief.
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