Cops Corner: Sarasota 12.24.15

Dec. 13

UNFARE
1:10 a.m. — 1800 block of N. Tamiami Trail
Theft: A taxi driver noticed a woman stumbling near the roadway. The driver, who assumed the woman was sick, picked her up and agreed to drop her off nearby. After the man dropped the woman off, he noticed his wallet was missing from its location in the glove compartment. The man didn’t see the woman taking the wallet, but he assumed she took it while slumped over the dashboard. The wallet contained approximately $400 in cash in addition to two debit cards and his driver license. Officers were unable to locate the woman in the area.

Dec. 15

ROLLED OVER
8 a.m. — 2500 block of 12th Street
Property damage: An employee at a roller rink reported that an unknown subject damaged a chain link fence on the corner of the property, causing approximately $200 in damages. The subject appeared to have pulled a corner post away from the building in an attempt to get to an aluminum boat trailer.

HOT TEMPER
4:02 p.m. — 1900 block of Main Street
Dispute: A man entered a café and ordered a hot chocolate and biscotti. The employee working the café recognized the man, who comes in frequently and always causes problems. The man proceeded to spill his hot chocolate all over the counter, wall and his pants. The employee offered to replace the drink, but the man said he wasn’t in the mood and wanted a refund. The employee said this normally isn’t the store’s policy, but she agreed to give him $3 back from his total bill of $3.58. The man began asking for a full refund, and the employee pointed out that $3 was more than the cost of the hot chocolate, as he had ordered a biscotti as well. The man continued to argue and refused to leave when asked. The employee called the police, but the man left the area before officers arrived.

Dec. 17

HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS
4:40 a.m. — 900 block of University Parkway
Suspicion: Security guards observed several subjects walking back and forth from a car parked on the north side of the building. The security guards went outside to check out the suspicious activity, and noticed what appeared to be marijuana in the cup holder in the front of the vehicle. The subjects were gone before the guards arrived. Officers went to the car and observed what appeared to be a jar of marijuana in the vehicle. The officers ran the plates of the vehicle, but the registered owner of the car did not match the name of anybody staying in the hotel. Officers told the security guards to call the police if further issues arose.