Cops Corner 03.11.10

Feb. 24
Alternative alarm clock
6:47 a.m. — 3400 block of Winding Oaks Drive. Noise Disturbance. A man called to report that at 6:15 a.m. every day, a golf-course employee runs loud gas-operated equipment on the fifth hole, which sits behind his home. Police contacted the manager of the golf course, who said his employees would be quieter in the morning.

Suspicious stuff
8:16 p.m. — 300 block of GMD. Suspicious Circumstance. A woman called police to report that someone is entering her condominium and moving her personal belongings around while she’s gone. She showed police a white zip tie lying on her master bedroom floor, drapes that were partially closed and a running ceiling fan in an unused bedroom. She also reported that her electric toothbrush and four pairs of jeans were missing. She told police she thinks people are harassing her because she’s wealthy and named an ex-girlfriend and a cousin who might be responsible.

Feb. 25
Someone needs a timeout
12:02 p.m. — 5400 block of GMD. Vandalism. The complainant told police that a man driving a white pickup truck cut him off twice, gave him the finger and keyed the passenger door of his Mercedes Benz while the complainant was playing tennis.

Friends in need …
9:17 p.m. — 5500 block of GMD. Public Drunkenness. A restaurant bartender called police to report that a drunken man had been rude to a waitress. The patron had already been taken home by his friends when police arrived.

Feb. 26
Protest back on
9:30 a.m. — 500 block of Bay Isles Road. Public Service. The postmaster called police to report that protestors were again on federal property and protesting the current president of the United States. A postal inspector arrived from Tampa to observe the protestors, and it was determined the couple could continue to protest.

Hide and seek
7:57 p.m. — Intersection of Norton Street and General Harris Street. Suspicious Circumstance. A woman called police to report a man lying near the side of the road. Police found two boys, who told police they were playing a game. One of the boys admitted to hiding in the bushes.

Campout closed down
11:31 p.m. — 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway. Camping. While completing security checks at Avenue of the Flowers, police noticed a van parked near Publix that had drapes pulled down on all of its windows. Police made contact with the Canadian couple, who were inside the vehicle. They told police they spend the night at Publix complexes all over Florida when they visit. They were told a town ordinance prohibits them from camping at this Publix, and they agreed to leave the area.

Feb. 28
Smoke detectors
9:22 p.m. — 500 block of Sutton Place. Fire. A man called to report the smell of smoke. Police assisted the Fire Rescue Department, which discovered an issue with a fluorescent light bulb, which had blown out and created a smoky odor.

March 1
Watch the road
7:38 a.m. — Intersection of Cedar Street and Palm Drive. Property Damage. A woman reported that a yellow Manatee County school bus turned the corner and crowded her, causing her to hit the curb, which flattened her car’s right front tire. Police notified the school board to report the incident.