Outraged Florida Man: Walgreens Manager Gets a Taste of His Bible

BiblePhoto byPriscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦onUnsplash

Disclaimer: This story was written for informational purposes only.

Easter Sunday and Bibles go hand-in-hand. This year's Easter Sunday, on March 31, 2024, the image took on a different meaning.

A Florida man was arrested and charged with felony battery for allegedly smacking a Walgreens employee in the face with a Bible on Easter Sunday. -- The Christian Post

At approximately 11:30 p.m., Peter Owens attempted to purchase headphones at Walgreens in Pinellas County, Florida, when he argued with one of the employees. The manager stepped in and eventually asked him to vacate the premises.

According to the police affidavit, before Owens left he allegedly hit the 36-year-old manager, Nicole Merck, in her face with his Bible. Officers quickly located Owens and took him into custody.

Reports indicate that Owens admitted to striking Merck “in the face one time with his Bible because she was being rude to him.” Officer Ryan Wall recorded, “Peter stated he did not mean to hit her.”

Due to a previous 2020 conviction in Michigan for assault and battery, the criminal charge against Owens was enhanced to a felony. He posted a $5000 bond and was released from Pinellas County Jail.

The judge ordered him to stay away from the Walgreens outlet and have no contact with Merck.

His troubles wouldn't end there.

Peter OwensPhoto byauthor screenshot | PCSO

Within a day of his release, the Tarpon Springs Police Department arrested him again and charged him with petty theft for an incident at Walmart.

Allegedly, Owens took a box of Cheez-Its from the shelf and brought them into the men's restroom. He was also reported for removing the tags from a pair of shoes he tried on, which he then stuffed into his duffle bag.

The loss prevention officer alerted the police as Owens left Walmart without making any payment for the goods. He was promptly apprehended and placed back in the Pinellas County Jail.

According to arrest records, his bond was set at $150.00.

Peter Owens is a 35-year-old golf instructor. He lives in Ellenton, a Gulf Coast city near Sarasota.

PCSOPhoto byauthor screenshot

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Sources:
The Christian Post
The Smoking Gun