A Tampa man is facing multiple charges after police say he attempted an armed carjacking at a Clearwater gas station. Brian L. Davis, 44, was arrested earlier today following the incident that took place just before the stroke of midnight at the On The Fly gas station located off Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, as reported by WTSP.
According to the Clearwater Police, Davis approached a driver who was busy filling up their tank and requested a ride to Tampa. The driver's refusal seemingly spurred Davis into action, as he attempted to forcibly enter the vehicle, resulting in a physical altercation, as Tampa Free Press details. During the struggle, Davis is accused of wielding a "large piece of metal" as an improvised weapon.
Reports from the scene indicate that a friend of the driver, coming out from the gas station storefront, attempted to intervene; it was at this point that Davis allegedly escalated the situation, this time brandishing a knife. The incident, which pulled the gas station into a brief vortex of violence, was quickly contained by the timely arrival of the police, leading to Davis's apprehension.
Davis now faces charges including armed carjacking, aggravated assault, and criminal mischief. He was subsequently booked into the Pinellas County Jail as a result of the incident. The victim of the attempted carjacking was reportedly left with minor injuries and was given on-site medical attention by paramedics from Clearwater Fire and Rescue, "the driver sustained minor injuries and was treated on scene," per a statement obtained by FOX 13. The Clearwater Police Department has not provided additional information regarding Davis's motives or the condition of the involved parties following the event.
