Clearwater Beach Blanket Theft Leads to Chase, Arrest

A Pasco County couple face theft charges, after Clearwater Police allege that they stole items left on a beach blanket and then ordered a 15-year-old boy to drive their getaway car.

Police arrested Paul Guglielmo, 43, and Ashley Nenu, 25, who both live in Holiday. They also face a charge of child neglect. The teenage driver is the son of Guglielmo.

The incident occurred in front of the Palm Pavilion on Clearwater Beach Wednesday evening.

According to police, a 37-year-old Clearwater man went for a swim at about 7 p.m., leaving his belongings on his beach blanket.

The man told police that he watched as the two suspects allegedly started taking personal belongings he left on the blanket. The man told police that he chased the pair, confronting them at their vehicle.
 
He used his cell phone to summon Clearwater police. 

The couple then allegedly got into their vehicle and directed a 15-year-old boy inside to drive from the scene. Police were able to stop the vehicle and arrest the pair. 

They also were charged with child neglect for involving the teenager, who had
no prior knowledge of what had happened on the beach. 

Both were taken to the Pinellas County Jail, where they were released on bond
early this morning.