CLEARWATER POLICE ARREST THREE JUVENILES IN ROBBERY/HOMICIDE

Clearwater Police arrested three juveniles and charged them with felony murder after an early morning robbery attempt went bad, said Clearwater Police Chief Sid Klein.

Clearwater Police gave this account of the early morning incident. Around midnight, the three juveniles entered the Spur gas station at 1501 N. Betty Lane. Two of the three donned masks and demanded money from the clerk, Farah Abdullah Abu-Nwas, 20, of 9828 52^nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg. Mr. Abu-Nwas refused to hand over the money and turned to call the police. At that point, one of the juveniles fired a single gun shot from a small caliber handgun into the chest of Mr. Abu-Nwas and grabbed the money from the register. The single gunshot killed the clerk at the scene. Mr. Abu-Nwas was also the owner of the gas station.

The three juveniles then fled the scene on foot and hid in a vehicle in a nearby neighborhood. Clearwater Police K-9’s and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office helicopter personnel tracked the suspects to the vehicle where they were taken into custody without incident.

Police have charged Dexter Kenyell Evans, 07/14/84, 1352 Mary L Road, Clearwater; Juan A. Allen, 06/02/85, 1766 Harbor Drive; and, Shamel N. Johnson, 01/23/83, 1602 Fulton Avenue, Clearwater with Felony Murder. Police believe Allen was the shooter.

Police have taken into custody, as evidence, a video camera surveillance tape, but have not had the opportunity to review the tape. Police are still searching for the small caliber handgun that was believed tossed aside as the juveniles were fleeing the scene. The search for the handgun will continue during the daylight hours.

All three juveniles have prior histories in the criminal justice system. Mr. Abu-Nwas’ next of kin has been notified.

For additional information regarding this case, please contact Clearwater Police Public Information Officer Wayne Shelor at 562-4333.

/s/
SID KLEIN
Chief of Police