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Man Arrested In July Robberies

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: December 2, 2008

PORT RICHEY - A West Pasco man faces accusations he committed two robberies in July, at a hotel and drug store, according to Pasco Sheriff's Office reports.

Travis James Smallze, 18, 3055 Primrose Drive, Holiday, was arrested on two counts of robbery with a deadly weapon or firearm. Smallze's bail for the two felonies initially was set at $200,000.

Smallze is charged with robbing the Walgreens store at 9332 U.S. 19 on July 10 and then the Comfort Inn at 11810 U.S. 19 about half an hour later, according to Sheriff's Office arrest affidavits released Monday.

Smallze is quoted in the report as asking a Walgreens cashier, "Do you want me to pull out a gun?"
The suspect then jumped over the front counter and tried to open the cash register. He fled without any money. Smallze denied robbing the drug store, according to the report.

At the hotel, Smallze made reference to a gun before pulling out a knife and demanding money, deputies allege. He fled with $200.

It was unclear from the reports if Smallze also denied robbing the hotel.

The counts were lodged against Smallze on Sunday. He had been jailed the day before on warrants for violation of probation on a drunken driving count and a misdemeanor offense, as well as failure to appear in court on a simple battery count and a possession of alcohol under age 21. His bail for those offenses totaled $16,026.

Sheriff's Office records show Smallze was arrested May 10 on a felony count of aggravated battery. The Florida Highway Patrol arrested him Jan. 30 on two traffic offenses, driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident with property damage.

Carl Orth can be reached at 727-815-1068 or corth@suncoastnews.com.

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