Police: Man Attempted to Steal Motorcycle Parked at the American Legion Post

A Clearwater man was arrested Jan. 3 on the charge of grand theft motor vehicle after he allegedly tried to steal a motorcycle parked outside of the American Legion Post, Largo Police report.

Milton Anthony Holmes, 42, of Safe Harbor in Clearwater, is accused of allegedly trying to take a 1977 Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Jan. 3 at 130 First Ave. SW in Largo.

According to the arrest affidavit, Holmes tried to start the motorcycle but when it would not start he "lifted up his right foot, and changed gears on the motorcycle in an obvious attempt to get the transmission into neutral so it (would) start," police report.

Holmes was arrested on the charge of grand theft motor vehicle, according to online sheriff's records.

After Holmes was read his rights, he "admitted to turning the ignition on and pressing the (start) button (of the Harley) because he 'always wanted one,'" police report.

Holmes allegedly told police "that he regularly touches other people's property when he likes the item," police report.

Holmes reportedly "denied placing his foot on the gear shift." Although the bike's owner told police he saw Holmes trying to start the Harley and Largo Police viewed a surveillance tape of the incident, police report.

Holmes  was reportedly "highly uncooperative" with authorities in the investigation, according to Largo Police.

When Holmes was placed in the transport van to go to the Pinellas County Jail he "became so uncooperative that he continued screaming profanities, and began banging his head against the interiors walls of the prisoner compartment," police report.

Holmes was awaiting trial in the Pinellas County Jail as of Jan. 5. Bond was set at $5,000.