Cops Corner

Jan. 13

BUSTED, BY MOM

6600 block of First Avenue East, Bradenton

Information only: The Manatee Sheriff's Office was called to a home in reference to marijuana being found. When they arrived, the homeowner said she was cleaning her son's room, she found a mint container with marijuana in it. The deputy took possession of the substance  and placed it in property and evidence for destruction. The son was not at the residence when the marijuana was found.

Jan. 18

NOT-SO-MASTERFUL THIEF

7300 block of 52nd Place East, Bradenton

Fraudulent use of credit card: Deputies were summoned when the suspect entered a financial institution and attempted to get a $900 cash advance on a Visa card. The card was issued to an Aaron Smith. A store employee recognized the man from a bulletin he received from another branch, about the man trying to conduct a similar transaction. The employee delayed the man by saying his computer link was down. Deputies arrived and the man identified himself as Aaron Smith. The presented a counterfeit Ohio driver's license. The driver's license had been issued to a woman. The man couldn't answer questions about his date of birth or address. The photo on the false driver's license was him. The deputy informed the man he was being detained for an investigation into the crime. Asked about his real name, he told deputies, "It's on the ID." Deputies removed a wallet from his back pocket and it contained a debit card with his real name on it. He was transported to Montgomery County Jail without incident.

Jan. 19

HEY, THE SUPER BOWL IS SUNDAY

2900 block of 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton

GRAND THEFT: A man walked into a supermarket, walked to the electronics department, and loaded three televisions into a cart. He then passed all points of sale and ran away. Deputies were dispatched to the location, and after a search, they found the three television sets hidden in some trees nearby. The red shirt the defendant was wearing was found with the TVs. A short time later, deputies found the man and arrested him. The three TVs were returned to the store in their original packaging. The man admitted to the theft.

Jan. 20

THIEF'S PLAN IS TRASHED

2900 block of 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton

Grand theft: A man walked into a department store and went to the garden department where he picked out a large, red trash can. He then proceeded to walk to different departments in the store, throwing merchandise into the trash can and closing the lid. After the man paid for the trash can but not the $345.06 of items inside, Store security held the man until deputies arrived. The defendant had two outstanding warrants. He was transported to jail.