Classic Cops of the Day

Sept. 6, 2009
Freestroke for free TVs
 11:55 p.m. — 14100 block of 11th Avenue Northeast. Burglary. After discovering several windows smashed at the home, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies set up surveillance. At 11:30 p.m., deputies saw Robert D. Copeland, 38, swim across the pond behind the home and enter the screen porch. Copeland was on the porch for several minutes when the alarm to the home activated. Copeland attempted to gain entry to the home by smashing a hole in one of the rear windows and sawing the glass open with a hand saw. Copeland ran off the porch and was apprehended by a deputy and his K-9. Copeland received a few lacerations to his right thigh from the K-9 and a few from the glass door he tried to enter. In an interview, Copeland stated he was attempting to steal televisions.