Clearwater Police arrested a man Thursday minutes after he tried to rob a bank at Clearwater Mall.
Michael A. Pascuzzo, 44, entered the Wells Fargo bank at 2699 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd. shortly before noon and handed the teller a note indicating his plan to rob the bank, according to police.
He left, however, without getting any money.
Four minutes later, police were called about an incident at the nearby Men's Wearhouse at 2719 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd. where Pascuzzo was caught trying to steal shirts there.
Not knowing he was the bank robbery suspect, an employee and customer of the business wrestled him to the ground and held him until officers arrived on scene. Police believe Pascuzzo may have been attempting to change his wardrobe from the attempted bank heist.
Pascuzzo was taken into custody and will face multiple charges, including bank robbery and retail theft. He will be booked into the Pinellas County Jail Thursday afternoon.
