Clearwater man accused of trying to rob Radio Shack where he worked

CLEARWATER — Clearwater police arrested a man Wednesday who they said tried to rob a Radio Shack store where he worked and used pepper spray and a stun gun in the attempt.

Andre T. Puskas, 20, faces a charge of attempted robbery with a weapon.

Police gave this account:

About 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Puskas entered the Radio Shack at Sunset Point Road and U.S. 19 while wearing a ski mask. An employee inside dropped to the floor, and when she tried to move, he pepper-sprayed her. As the woman ran, Puskas then tried using a Taser on her but ended up Tasing his own hand. He ran out of the store and tossed his blue ski mask in a Dumpster behind the business.

Hours later, Puskas arrived for his 4 p.m. shift and was arrested. He admitted he tried to rob the store, police said.

Puskas was booked into the Pinellas County jail, where he remained Thursday morning in lieu of $150,000 bail.