A routine shift at a Largo 7-Eleven turned into a trip to the hospital yesterday, after police say a customer ambushed a 73-year-old clerk in the store restroom and beat her so badly she had to be taken away by ambulance.
The clerk, Debora Barnes, suffered facial swelling, minor cuts and an elevated heart rate. Paramedics rushed her to Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater for treatment, and despite the ordeal, Barnes told reporters she expects to be back behind the counter for her usual Wednesday shift.
What Police Say
According to FOX 13, Barnes found the woman hiding in the store restroom, drinking alcohol that had not been paid for. Recognizing her from a previous shoplifting incident, Barnes told her to leave.
Police say the woman responded by repeatedly pushing and slapping Barnes, knocking off the clerk's glasses and leaving her with injuries that needed medical attention. Paramedics took Barnes to Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, where staff treated her for swelling, cuts and an elevated heart rate.
Victim Speaks
Despite the attack, Barnes spoke about the incident with a mix of sadness and resolve.
“It makes me sad in my heart to think there’s people out there like me, that don’t get any kindness shown to them,” she told reporters. “I would like to see a little more compassion,” she added, stressing that she does not want to hold hatred toward her attacker.
FOX 13 reports that Barnes has worked at the store for four years and plans to return to her scheduled shift the next morning.
Arrest And Charge
Largo police arrested 56-year-old Kostantia Karapanagio at the scene and charged her with battery on a person 65 years of age or older. Local reports say she was booked into the Pinellas County Jail.
The jail is operated by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, which processes city arrests and provides a public “Who’s In Jail” lookup for current bookings, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Legal Implications
Under Florida law, assault or battery on a person who is 65 years of age or older is reclassified and treated as a third-degree felony. That level of felony carries a maximum sentence set by state sentencing statutes.
The age-based reclassification and the broader felony sentencing framework that can apply in cases like this are laid out in the Florida Statutes.
What’s Next
Largo police say the investigation is still active and have asked anyone with video or additional information to contact detectives.
The Pinellas County State Attorney’s Office will now review the arrest and decide whether to pursue formal charges beyond the initial booking. Barnes, for her part, says she hopes the whole incident becomes a wake-up call for more community support for people in need, rather than just another reason for anger.
