Deputies: Hitchhiking turns into carjacking

ST. PETERSBURG -- The late-night pickup of a hitchhiker quickly escalated into an armed carjacking that led Pinellas County sheriff's deputies on a chase that ended at a gas station in Madeira Beach, sheriff's officials said.

Investigators say David Harrell was driving a purple 1971 Oldsmobile when he picked up 23-year-old Corey Robinson on the 9500 block of Bay Pines Boulevard about 11 p.m. Tuesday.

When Harrell stopped at a nearby gas station, Robinson brandished a .22 caliber handgun threatened Harrell, 30, then made off with his car.

Deputies say Robinson continued driving until he reached a gas station at Gulf Boulevard and 150th Street, where he bailed from the car but was caught. Deputies recovered the gun they believe Robinson used in the attack.

Robinson, whose last listed address is 2311 Calexico Way in St. Petersburg,  was arrested on two felony charges, carjacking with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm and misdemeanor resisting arrest without violence. Jail records show Robinson has multiple outstanding warrants.

-- Casey Cora, Times staff writer