Victims turn on man in failed armed robbery attempt

Deputies say the tables were turned on a man who walked into a tattoo parlor with a fake gun and threatened four people after three out of four victims fought back and eventually tackled him to the floor.

According to a Hernando County Sheriff's Office report, David Pereira, 44, walked into Addiction Ink on Sunday, located at 10485 Heley St., and threatened a man with what appeared to be a gun while demanding to speak to the store owner.

He pushed the first man to the rear of the store and — coming upon a male employee — struck him in the face while again demanding to speak to the store owner, the report shows.

He continued to yell at a female employee as well until a third man came forward and asked Pereira what he wanted. Pereira responded that he wanted his sister's money and pointed the weapon in the third victim's face.

The third man pushed the weapon away and Pereira struck him, according to the report. A fight ensued between the two and after a few blows were traded, the other male employee and first victim jumped into the melee.

Pereira was eventually subdued on the floor and the weapon was revealed to be three large batteries wrapped in electrical tape with white cardboard and furniture stuffing around the bottom. A piece of metal that resembles a trigger guard was also attached.

He was charged with armed robbery and taken to Hernando County Jail where his bond was set at $20,000.

Records show that Pereira was charged with burglary and robbery in December in a separate incident when deputies say he struck another man repeatedly who he claimed owed him money and took the victim's cell phone.