Cops Corner: Suspect uses jury duty scheme

Jan. 19: SUSPECT USES JURY DUTY SCHEME

5600 block of Country Lakes Drive, Sarasota

Scheme to defraud: A woman came into the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to report a scheme to defraud. She had received a phone call from an unknown suspect who told her he was a police officer and that he had a warrant for her arrest for failing to show up for jury duty. The suspect persuaded her to pay fines with a Green Dot card to avoid prosecution.

Jan. 20: DEAL LEADS TO SELLER’S REMORSE

3700 block of 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton

Motor vehicle theft: A man agreed to sell his car for $3,950 to another man who paid $500 down and asked if the vehicle could be dropped off at his address so he could inspect the car. The next day, the buyer asked the seller to reduce the price to $3,500. The seller refused and told the buyer he would return his $500 and collect his vehicle. The buyer refused to give back the car and blocked it into his driveway so the seller couldn’t get it. The seller asked the Sheriff’s Office to arrest the buyer.

Jan. 21: MAN HITS WRONG TARGET

4700 block of 245th Street East, Myakka City

Information only: A Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a man for speeding. The man told the deputy he was injured during target practice and was possibly struck in the leg by bullet fragments. EMS was called and determined the man’s injuries were not life threatening. The man refused to be transported by EMS and said he would seek medical treatment the next morning. The man sent an email to the deputy of how he was injured and video showed the man as a solo shooter firing at targets. He was seen checking his leg, which was injured. An investigation continues.

Jan. 21: PAPER OR DUFFLE?

5200 University Parkway, Sarasota

Shoplifting: A man went into a clothing store and was observed selecting merchandise, then placing it into a duffel bag he brought into the store with him. He then passed all points of sale without making any attempt to purchase the items. The suspect left in an unknown direction. The estimated value of the theft is $351.

Jan. 24: DRIVER’S POT LUCK

7000 block of Honore Avenue, Bradenton

Speeding: A deputy conducted a traffic stop for speeding and driving in a bike lane. After making contact with the driver, the deputy smelled marijuana. The driver admitted to smoking weed. The deputy found two bags of marijuana along with a digital scale. The items were collected and placed into property and evidence for destruction. The driver was issued tickets for speeding and failing to maintain his lane.