Peter Owens, a 35-year-old man from Florida, was arrested on Easter Sunday after he allegedly assaulted a Walgreens store manager with a Bible in Clearwater Beach. The incident took place after Owens got into a verbal altercation with a store employee over a pair of headphones, which escalated when the employee involved the store manager. Owens then reportedly smacked the manager in the face with the Bible when she asked him to leave the store. This was not Owens’ first run-in with the law, as he had a prior battery conviction in 2020.
After getting arrested for the incident at Walgreens, Owens was released from the Pinellas County Jail the following day after posting a $5,000 bond. However, less than 24 hours later, Owens found himself in trouble again. 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 snack and took it into the bathroom before selecting a pair of shoes, ripping the tag off, trying them on, and shoving them into a duffle bag. Owens was stopped by a loss prevention officer when he tried to walk out of the store without paying and was arrested once again.
Police were able to locate Owens after the Walmart incident and take him into custody. Owens told police that he hit the store manager with his Bible because he felt she was being rude to him, though he claimed he did not mean to hit her. He was charged with felony battery for this incident. Following his second arrest, Owens remains in custody at the Pinellas County Jail on a $150 bond, according to jail records. It is unclear if he will face additional charges for the Walmart theft.
The series of events involving Peter Owens highlights a pattern of criminal behavior and poor decision-making. From assaulting a store manager with a Bible to stealing items from Walmart, Owens’ actions have resulted in multiple arrests and legal consequences. It is concerning that even after being released on bond, Owens continued to engage in criminal activities, leading to his subsequent arrest. The case underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing support to individuals who may be struggling with behavioral challenges.
The incidents involving Owens also raise questions about security measures at retail stores and the safety of employees and customers. It is alarming that a simple dispute over merchandise escalated to physical violence, with the store manager being hit with a Bible. Retail establishments need to prioritize employee training on conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Additionally, law enforcement agencies and judicial systems must work together to address repeat offenders like Owens and ensure that appropriate interventions are in place to prevent further criminal behavior.
Ultimately, the case of Peter Owens serves as a reminder of the complex issues surrounding crime, mental health, and rehabilitation. While it is essential to hold individuals accountable for their actions, it is also important to address the underlying factors that may contribute to criminal behavior. By providing support, resources, and interventions, we can work towards breaking the cycle of criminality and promoting healthier outcomes for individuals like Owens who may be struggling with complex challenges. It is crucial for communities, law enforcement, and social services to collaborate in addressing these issues and finding solutions that prioritize public safety and well-being.
