Robbery Duo Bites, Grabs, Punches and Scratches Store Employee, Police Say

A couple is accused of grabbing, punching, biting and scratching an employee of Bealls Department Store at the Largo Mall during a robbery attempt Jan. 9, according to Largo Police.

Trevor Lee Groat, 38, of Pinellas Park, is accused of taking $195 of merchandise from the retailer. Jade Louise Stein, 28, of St. Petersburg also allegedly took $85 worth of money or property from the store, according to police.

As the two left the retailer, police said, they were confronted by the store's loss prevention officer. The duo tried to get away from the employee, and in the process Stein allegedly bit, scratched, punched "and at one point grabb(ed) the victim's testicles," according to arrest affidavits.

Groat reportedly tried to help the pair escape by grabbing, pushing, and punching the victim, according to the report.

Groat and Stein were both arrested on a charge of strong arm robbery, the arrest affidavit states.

The two were each awaiting trial as of Jan. 10 at the Pinellas County Jail on a total bond of $10,000, according to online Pinellas County Sheriff's records.

Stay connected by signing up for our free email newsletter or "liking" us on Facebook.