Cops Corner: East County

The following information was gathered from incident and arrest reports obtained from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

March 27
Tragedy
10:15 a.m. — 38000 block of Taylor Road. Armed trespassing, shooting into an occupied dwelling, animal cruelty. The complainant’s dog, a German shepherd mix, went onto the suspect’s property and attacked his small dog, killing it. While the attack was occurring, the suspect retrieved a firearm and shot at the dog, missing it. After killing the smaller dog, the German shepherd mix disengaged and retreated. The suspect went onto the complainant’s property and shot the German shepherd mix in the head, also killing it. Animal Control responded to assist with the investigation. The suspect was arrested and charged with armed trespassing, shooting into an occupied dwelling and animal cruelty. 

Five-finger discount
12:57 p.m. — 2911 53rd Avenue East. Petty grand theft-shoplifting. The complainant witnessed the defendant select a pair of earrings from the jewelry department and then place them into a reusable bag. The defendant then selected a ladies’ wallet and removed the price tag. She then placed the wallet in her purse. The defendant then passed all points of sale, failing to pay for the concealed items. The complainant stopped her and escorted her to the loss-prevention office without incident. She was arrested and transported to the Port Manatee Jail without incident. The defendant had a bottle of prescription medication in the proper prescription bottle. The medicine was placed into property and evidence for safekeeping.

Reported March 27
Gamer gone bad
4:15 p.m. — 6225 State Road 64 East. Petit theft. The complainant reported an unknown person was seen stealing XBOX games. The complainant tried to stop the suspect, but the male ripped off his stolen shirt and ran past all points of sale to a waiting pickup in the parking lot. The manager got the tag number of the truck, but it isn’t known if the owner was involved in the theft. The suspect dropped two of the XBOX games as he ran from the building. The value of the theft is $120 plus the $40 of the two recovered games. The complainant does have security video and will drop a copy at the main operations center when it’s available.

Fake filing
5:08 p.m. — 5100 block of Creekside Trail. Fraudulent use/possession of another’s ID without consent. The victim reported she received a letter from the IRS telling her there had been a problem with the federal taxes she filed. The victim said she contacted the IRS and told them she hasn’t filed her taxes yet.

March 26
Creepy calls
11 p.m. — 100 block of 41st Circle East. Telephone harassment. The complainant reported an unknown person is calling him at random times and at all hours of the day and night. When he answers, the person doesn’t speak and immediately hangs up. At 11 p.m. March 26, the complainant received a call where the caller said, “Samuel, I know where you live.” This made the complainant fear for his safety. According to the caller ID, the calls are being made from an undisclosed location. The complainant said he believes it may be related to his past inventions.