Police: When Suspect's Offer to 'Buy' Bike Fails, He Tries to Take It

When a Largo man didn't get an answer to his offer to buy a bicycle from its owner, he tried to take it, Largo Police say.

The victim was on Clearwater-Largo Road with his 18-speed bike early Monday morning, according to an arrest affidavit. That's when Daryl Michael Taylor, 25, asked the victim if the bike was for sale. The victim ignored the offer, and so Taylor crossed the road and asked again if the bike was for sale, according to the arrest affidavit.

"The victim told (Taylor) no and then the defendant grabbed the back rear tire of the bike in an attempt to take the bike. The victim grabbed the bike back from the defendant and told the defendant he was calling the police," according to the report.

The victim and a witness ran from Taylor and flagged down a police officer. The rear rim of the bike was bent during the altercation, according to the arrest affidavit.

"When the victim told the defendant that they were calling the police, the defendant mentioned a gun and started running in the opposite direction," according to the report.

After Taylor was read his Miranda rights, he admitted to asking the victim if he was selling the bike, but denied touching it. At first Taylor said he did not cross the street, but later said he did. The suspect's statements were not consistent, according to the affidavit.

Taylor was in the Pinellas County Jail on Monday afternoon with a total bond set at $10,000. Taylor was arrested on charges of tampering with physical evidence, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and robbery, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's website.