Deputies arrest two in robbery of Pinellas Park newspaper hawker

PINELLAS PARK — Authorities said two men dragged a newspaper salesman from their car as they sped away after an exchange of fake money.

Pinellas County deputies arrested Anthony R. Tirado, 26, and Christian M. Anastasio, 22, both of Pinellas Park, in connection with the strong-arm robbery, which occurred near 66th Street N and 54th Avenue N on Sunday afternoon.

Deputies said Tirado gave a newspaper salesman a fake $10 bill. When the salesman realized the bill was counterfeit, Tirado and Anastasio tried to take it out his hands, deputies said. Tirado retrieved the bill, deputies noted.

Then, Anastasio grabbed the salesman's arm and "dragged him as he attempted to speed off in the vehicle," according to an arrest affidavit. Anastasio was driving a 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

Tirado was arrested on charges of uttering a forged bill, strong-arm robbery, conspiracy to commit a felony, introducing contraband in a detention facility and two counts of probation violation. He remained in jail Monday afternoon.

Anastasio's charges include aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, uttering a forged bill, conspiracy and strong-arm robbery. He was released early Monday.

No further information was available.

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