Computer analyst arrested in kidnapping, robbery of 2 Fla. realtors
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- A retired Air Force major who works as a computer analyst has been charged in two separate robbery kidnappings in Florida, reports CBS affiliate WTSP.
Police say that on two separate instances on June 3, 58-year-old Paul Pinkston kidnapped realtors at gunpoint, and demanded money.
The victim in the first case told WTSP that she met her captor at a home she was selling, and was under the impression he was a potential buyer named Robert Evans.
"He says, 'Sorry about this' and I turn and look at him and he's got a gun between my eyes. That was the first moment that I realized my life was in danger," said the realtor, who asked to remain anonymous. "At no time did I ever feel that man was a threat to me, until I was looking down the barrel of his gun."
The victim said she was forced to call her husband, and the kidnapper demanded the husband turn over $50,000.
At first, the husband thought the ransom-demanding robber was kidding and hung up on him, he told WTSP. But the abductor called again.
"The guy goes, 'If you love your wife, if you ever want to see her again, come up with $50,000.' I said dude, I can't get $50,000," he said.
The captor then fled with the victim's car and keys, according to the victim.
In the second incident, Pinkston, allegedly identifying himself again as Robert Evans, also allegedly pulled a gun and took the agent's cell phone and car keys. In that case, the victim said she was told to call relatives for ransom as well.
On June 5, police released surveillance video of the suspect leaving Wal-Mart near the scene of one of the robberies. A Ft. Lauderdale police official told 48 Hours' Crimesider that a tip led investigators to the Wal-Mart.
A second tip, from someone who saw the video, led them to Pinkston, who was arrested at his St. Petersburg home Monday. Police searched both the apartment and a silver Nissan Murano, which matched descriptions given by the victims of the suspect's vehicle.
Police said both victims identified Pinkston from a photo array.
Pinkston was carrying a silver .357-caliber revolver when he was arrested, the same weapon allegedly used for the kidnappings, according to police. He appeared in court for the first time Tuesday on charges of kidnapping with a deadly weapon and armed robbery. He was held on $300,000 bail.
Assistant Chief James Previtera said police have not yet determined the motive for the robberies. He asked that anyone with information on Pinkston call 727-893-7780.
Pinkston's wife of 36 years defended her husband in a phone interview with WTSP.
"I don't believe he did any of this. All I can tell you is he's a very good person and would not hurt anyone," said Carol Pinkston.
Pinkston's attorney argued that the evidence against Pinkston is circumstantial and that only one victim was able to identify him.
"It's very circumstantial and I believe there will be issues as we go along," says Lee Pearlman, Pinkston's attorney.
Pinkston will remain at the Pinellas County jail until his next court date or if he can post his $300,000 bond. If he does he will be required to wear a GPS bracelet and stay at his home.