Deputies say a man who was refused alcohol at a beach bar came back with a knife and stabbed the bartender and injured three other people before being subdued by patrons Sunday night.

According to an arrest report, 50-year-old James Klingbeil of Belleair Beach stopped in the Red Lion Pub at 1407 Gulf Boulevard and asked for a drink. The bartender, 32-year-old Rebecca Shaeffer, said no because Klingbeil was "already highly intoxicated."

An argument followed, and Klingbeil left without further incident.

Deputies say Klingbeil then walked to a mini-mart, purchased a fillet knife and returned to the Red Lion, where he again argued with Shaeffer.

As the argument escalated, deputies say, Klingbeil pulled out the knife and began attacking the bartender.



According to deputies, bar patrons Gordon Rees, 44, Nicholaus Rees, 35 and Michael Arnold, 26 tried to help Schaeffer and were injured in the process. Nicholas Rees and Arnold were cut in the forearm and hand, respectively, and Rees was punched in the face.

Patrons were eventually able to wrestle Klingbeil to the ground, which is where he was when deputies arrived.



Schaeffer was flown to Bayfront Medical Center for treatment of multiple cuts. Nicholas Rees and Arnold also went to local hospitals.

Klingbeil was taken to the Pinellas County Jail and charged with attempted to murder and two counts of aggravated battery.



