Police: Homeless trio tried to set up parking scam before Tampa Bay Rays playoff game

ST. PETERSBURG — Police arrested three homeless people they say tried to set up a parking scam Tuesday night before the playoff game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Texas Rangers.

Anthony Pawle, 54, Garry Townsend, 47, and Abigail Hill, 26, all were arrested on charges of trespassing. The three, who are listed as transients in jail records, set up shop at a vacant garage at 501 16th St. N, at about 6:30 p.m.

All three had signs that advertised parking spots for $20. Officers with the St. Petersburg police's downtown deployment team quickly discovered the scam near Tropicana Field. It appears no one parked at the garage.

"The property owner had no idea, nor was permission given to park vehicles upon this property," according to arrest affidavits.