merlin

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Twelve people were injured at a shopping mall as hundreds jostled and fought over almost $10,000 being launched into the air by a real estate investor.

Six people were taken to hospitals and six more were treated for cuts and bruises at the scene Saturday, police spokesman Bill Proffitt said. The most serious injury was a possible broken arm, he added.

The event began shortly after 6 p.m., when at least 500 people crowded the courtyard at the Bay Walk shopping and entertainment center. They were waiting for the Kevin Shelton, known as the "Money Man."

Shelton, of Odessa, says he began doling out cash two years ago as a way to brighten people's day and spark generosity. He insists it's not a gimmick.

Shelton appeared on a balcony above the crowd Saturday. People lifted their umbrellas, turned inside out, ready to catch money. A few people waved ball caps and small nets.

Saturday, he fired his cash cannon, a small silver tube, and $2 bills rained down.

Lashawnda Martin, a thin 14-old student at St. Petersburg High School, fell to the ground. She lay there crying as people stepped all over her, until a man scooped her up and lifted her to safety.

"They were trampling all over me," said Martin. Her neck and back were sore, and she had lost her favorite gold rope necklace.

Shelton seemed oblivious to what had occurred. "People got hurt?" he asked afterward. He said that was not his intent.

Mall spokeswoman Lisa Brock said BayWalk would evaluate the event to see whether anything should have been done differently.

No one was arrested in connection with the giveaway, Proffitt said.


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Gee. you throw a pretty good chunk of change at the mall and expect people to behave and act nice ? Gimme a friggin break. Its like feeding sharks...