Abstract: SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - Police arrested a 30-year-old door-to-door salesman Friday, saying he tied up and robbed an 88-year-old woman this week after selling her a bottle of cleaning solution.

Creston Lee Betts, who had no listed address, was held in Hillsborough County Jail Friday on $20,250 bail on charges of home invasion robbery, false imprisonment and possession of marijuana.

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Copyright Tampa Tribune Company Mar 16, 1996

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - Police arrested a 30-year-old door-to-door salesman Friday, saying he tied up and robbed an 88-year-old woman this week after selling her a bottle of cleaning solution.

"She couldn't understand why he did that after she bought his product," said police Detective Michael Mitchell.

Creston Lee Betts, who had no listed address, was held in Hillsborough County Jail Friday on $20,250 bail on charges of home invasion robbery, false imprisonment and possession of marijuana.

The salesman visited the woman's home in the 1400 block of East Frierson Avenue around 1 p.m. Tuesday, introduced himself at the front door, then entered and sold her a bottle of solution, police said.

He left, but returned an hour later asking to use the bathroom. Once inside, he pulled out a knife and threatened to kill the woman if she didn't cooperate.

He yanked the telephone cord out of the wall and tied her up with it, rifled through her purse and took a small amount of cash before running away, police said.

After detectives received calls identifying a suspect and saying he was in Tampa, officers hit the streets and arrested Betts Friday.

"He was apologizing about it, saying he had some problems and financially he was at his end," Mitchell said.

People should be careful letting strangers into their homes, he said. "Always use caution. This is the time of year when people are going out doing door-to-door sales."