St. Petersburg police seek four men in assault

ST. PETERSBURG -- Police are looking for four men who they believe dragged a man outside their car Wednesday evening.

St. Petersburg police spokesman George Kajtsa said Robert Henry Gallagher, 26, of St. Petersburg told detectives he was leaving the Exxon station and walking in the 400 block of 11th Avenue N about 6 p.m. Wednesday when a car with four men pulled up next to him.

Gallagher said one man in the car made a comment to him to which he replied, "whatever.'' The passenger then opened his door and grabbed Gallagher's shirt and tried to pull him into the car, Gallagher told police.

The car took off and drove about 20 to 30 feet before Gallagher pulled away.

Gallagher sustained injuries to his right arm, which was run over by the car's tire. He underwent surgery at St. Anthony's Hospital. His injuries are not considered life threatening.

The car is described as a white box-style, four-door similar to a Cadillac or Lincoln. Three of the men had shaved bald heads. The driver had brown hair, about 2 inches in length.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the St. Petersburg Police Department at (727) 893-7780.

- Melanie Ave, Times staff writer