Axe-Wielding Homeowner Foils Teen Intruder in Bizarre Pinellas Park Incident
Authorities say 17-year-old Matthew Cleveland allegedly attempted to break into a woman’s home after exhibiting suspicious behavior in the neighborhood. The incident reportedly began when Cleveland approached a local woman—identified as the girlfriend of a nearby resident—and asked for directions to a park. The interaction raised red flags, and neighbors later reported seeing him lingering around the area shortly before the attempted break-in.
Miss Piggy 
New Warrants issued in Newport News for Matthew Cleveland of St. Petersburg after incident earlier today.
A bizarre and violent home invasion in Pinellas Park took a dramatic turn when a quick-thinking homeowner used an ordinary household tool—an axe—to stop a teenage intruder in his tracks.
UPDATE 2026 Cleveland have been identified as being employed at the Sbarro's Pizza in the Patrick Henry Mall Newport News Virginia
According to authorities, 17-year-old Matthew Cleveland of St. Petersburg had been wandering through a neighborhood after leaving the Richard L. Sanders School earlier that morning. Witnesses reported seeing Cleveland behaving suspiciously, including approaching homes and lingering near an open garage shortly before the attack.
Matthew Cleveland (left) - Homeowner Alexander McMaster (right)
The situation escalated when Cleveland knocked on the door of a residence and spoke with 33-year-old Christina Robles, asking for directions to a nearby park. When she attempted to close the door, Cleveland allegedly forced his way inside and launched a violent attack—grabbing her by the throat, choking her, and striking her repeatedly while slamming her head into a wall.
Robles’ boyfriend, Alexander McMaster, was upstairs at the time but rushed down after hearing her screams. What he encountered was a chaotic and dangerous scene. Acting quickly, McMaster engaged Cleveland physically and then grabbed a nearby axe—reportedly being used to prop open a window—to gain control of the situation.
Using the axe as a deterrent rather than a weapon, McMaster was able to subdue Cleveland and prevent him from escaping until officers with the Pinellas Park Police Department arrived on scene.
Police took Cleveland into custody without further incident. He was charged with home invasion robbery, felony battery by strangulation, and additional counts of battery.
Robles sustained minor injuries but survived the ordeal—an outcome that could have been far worse without McMaster’s intervention. Authorities noted that Cleveland did not provide a statement when questioned following his arrest.
Spring 2026 Cleveland spotted behind the counter at Sbarro's Pizza in the Patrick Henry Mall / Newport News
A Pattern of Concerning Behavior
Records show Cleveland had prior run-ins with the law, including a burglary-related conviction in 2017. His history, combined with the randomness of the attack, has raised concerns about behavioral issues and supervision leading up to the incident.
Neighbors described the ordeal as unsettling, noting how quickly an ordinary morning turned into a violent confrontation. The randomness of the attack—beginning with a simple question about directions—has left many questioning how such incidents can unfold so suddenly.
A Close Call with a Different Outcome
While the story has drawn attention for its unusual element—the use of an axe—it also highlights something more important: the critical role of awareness and immediate action in life-threatening situations.
McMaster’s decision to act quickly, combined with the improvised use of a nearby object, likely prevented far more serious injuries—or worse.
FAQs About the Pinellas Park Home Invasion
Q: Where did the incident happen?
A: The home invasion occurred in Pinellas Park, Florida, in a residential neighborhood.
Q: Who was involved?
A: The suspect was 17-year-old Matthew Cleveland. The victims were Christina Robles and her boyfriend, Alexander McMaster.
Q: What exactly happened during the attack?
A: Cleveland forced his way into the home after asking for directions and violently attacked Robles before being stopped by McMaster.
Q: Was the axe used to injure the suspect?
A: No. Reports indicate the axe was used to control and detain Cleveland, not to inflict harm.
Q: What charges did the suspect face?
A: Cleveland was charged with home invasion robbery, felony battery by strangulation, and additional battery charges.
Q: Were there serious injuries?
A: The victim sustained minor injuries, but no life-threatening harm was reported.
Q: How did police respond?
A: Officers arrived quickly and took Cleveland into custody without further incident.
Q: What makes this case unusual?
A: The randomness of the attack, combined with the improvised use of an axe to stop it, has made the case particularly notable.
Matthew A. Cleveland of St Petersburg
