Classic Cops of the Day: Sarasota

Nov. 3, 2009
Proud father
12:45 p.m. — 8400 block of Woodbriar Drive. Burglary. The victim returned home from work and noticed several items missing from his son’s room, including a videogame system, iPod and cell phone. The man immediately suspected one of his son’s friends, because he believes the friend previously stole a laptop computer from his home. He did not report that theft, because he felt he could get the computer back without getting the boy into trouble. The victim went to the friend’s house and told his father about the incident. The father defended his son, saying he didn’t steal anything. A short time later the father gave the victim’s son the stolen laptop computer, without saying how he got it. A deputy called the suspect’s father, who immediately stated that he was an attorney in Michigan and that “he doesn’t talk to cops.” He refused to say where he got the stolen computer and said no charges could be filed against his son, because there was no proof. The deputy told him that the investigation would continue until they returned the stolen items.