Cops Corner: Sarasota 07.21.16

July 16

FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING
2:55 p.m. — 5100 block of North Tamiami Trail
Theft: A security guard at a store called the police after witnessing a customer who was nervously shopping. When an officer arrived, the guard said he saw the customer place several items of merchandise under her dress and leave the store without paying for it. The guard stopped the customer and had her come back to return the items she took. The items were valued at $30.54. The customer told the officer that she had never stolen before, and she did not know why she took the items.

July 17

GREEN DRIVER
1:50 a.m. — 3300 block of Higel Avenue
Property Damage: A woman reported that, sometime during the night, somebody drove a vehicle onto the grass easement of her property and knocked over her mailbox. The woman did not have any information regarding the vehicle or a potential suspect. There was a nearby car that had some damage, but it was not involved in the incident. She estimated the mailbox’s value at $150.

SHORTS SUPPLY
6:52 a.m. — 1500 block of Mound Street
Suspicion: A person was walking his dog near the bayfront when another man stopped him. The person said the man was naked, and had only a black dress shirt tied around his waist. The person asked the man why he was naked, and the man said “I don't know.” The person gave the man a pair of shorts and a sip of soda, and then the man left the area. An officer searched the area and was unable to find the man.

July 18

LONE RIDER
12:25 a.m. — 800 block of South Tamiami Trail
Suspicion: An employee at a hotel reported that a man had been sitting in the parking lot and said she was concerned about him. An officer made contact with the man, who was waiting at a bus stop, and determined he did not need any assistance.