On Easter Sunday, Peter Owens, a 35-year-old Florida man, was arrested and charged with felony battery after assaulting a Walgreens store manager in Clearwater Beach with a Bible. The incident took place just after 11:30 p.m. when Owens got into an argument with a store employee over a pair of headphones and escalated when the manager got involved. Owens then struck her in the face with a Bible when she asked him to leave the store. This was not his first encounter with the law, as he had a prior conviction for battery in March 2020.
Shortly after the incident, police located Owens and took him into custody. He admitted to hitting the store manager with the Bible because he felt she was being rude, although he claimed he did not intend to actually hit her. Owens was released from the Pinellas County Jail the following day after posting a $5,000 bond. However, less than 24 hours after his release, he was arrested again, this time for allegedly stealing men’s shoes and a box of Cheez-Its from Walmart.
According to an affidavit from the Tarpon Springs Police Department, Owens grabbed the snack and took it into the bathroom with him, then selected a pair of shoes from a shelf, removed the tag, tried them on, and put them in his duffle bag. He walked out of the store without paying and was stopped by a loss prevention officer. Police were called, Owens was arrested again, and taken to the Pinellas County Jail. As of Wednesday afternoon, he remains in custody on a $150 bond. Owens’ crime spree seems to be ongoing and erratic, involving various offenses in a short period of time.
The incidents involving Peter Owens raise questions about his behavior and mental state. Not only did he assault a store manager with a Bible on Easter Sunday, but just hours after being released from custody, he was arrested again for shoplifting. Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in apprehending Owens, and it remains unclear what his motives were for these actions. Owens’ prior conviction for battery and his current behavior suggest a pattern of criminal activity that could potentially escalate if not addressed properly.
Owens’ encounters with law enforcement highlight the challenges of dealing with repeat offenders and individuals with potential mental health issues. While his actions may seem bizarre and random, they have serious consequences for the victims involved. The fact that he was willing to assault a store manager over a dispute about headphones and then go out to steal items from another store raises concerns about his decision-making and impulse control. Owens’ actions have resulted in multiple charges and arrests, indicating that he poses a threat to the community.
Overall, the case of Peter Owens demonstrates the complex nature of criminal behavior and the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with individuals who engage in erratic and criminal activities. Owens’ behavior raises concerns about his mental health and the potential for future violent incidents. His repeated encounters with the law highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing criminal behavior and providing support for individuals who may be struggling with mental health issues. The case of Peter Owens serves as a reminder of the importance of early intervention and prevention efforts to address the root causes of criminal behavior and protect the safety of the community.
