Caught before the crime occurred

Friday, March 24

Just keep the music down

12:09 p.m., 500 block of Hornblower Lane 

Noise complaints from land: An officer was dispatched due to a complaint of loud music and construction on a seawall. Upon arrival, the officer did not hear any music. He approached two construction workers who said they were working on a seawall, but were currently taking a break. The officer asked that when they returned to work that they keep any music volume down. 

Taking the situation into our own hands

5:50 p.m., 100 block of Broadway

Animal complaint: An officer received a call about an injured bird on the beach. The caller was informed that Save Our Seabirds was closed and the officer had no way of transporting the bird himself. The caller and his wife decided to transport it themselves to the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center on Anna Maria Island. 

Saturday, March 25

Just in case

7:13 p.m., 4400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Lost property: A woman called to report a lost ring. She was not sure if the ring was lost on the beach or in the water, but wanted to make a report in case it was turned in before she returned to Boston. 

'Fine, I’ll just walk'

9:51 p.m., 3700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Suspicious vehicle: While on patrol, the officer noticed a vehicle driving 10 mph in a 45 mph zone. When stopped, the driver told him her boyfriend had gotten out of the car and told her he was going to walk home. She said there had been no physical altercation. The boyfriend eventually returned to the car and the couple left the area. 

Sunday, March 26

Can’t sleep here

11:22 p.m., 100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Suspicious vehicle: A vehicle was spotted parked at Overlook Park after hours. The driver was seen sleeping in the car with his son. The driver told the officer he was visiting from Poland and provided proper documentation. Nevertheless, the officer told him sleeping in the park was not allowed. 

Monday, March 27

Broke down under New Pass

12:45 p.m.., New Pass

Boat-miscellaneous: An officer was flagged down by two people on a personal watercraft while out on marine patrol. The operators told him the safety lanyard was malfunctioning and they were unable to restart the watercraft. Because of its proximity to New Pass Bridge and the potential for it becoming a hazard, the officer assisted the watercraft to shore. 

Tuesday, March 28

Caught before the act 

2:29 a.m., 100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Litter, pollution, public health: While on patrol, the officer noticed a white plastic bag on the ground. Earlier that day, the same bag was seen stuck between a closed passenger door and the ground on a previously illegally parked vehicle. The vehicle had since left the area, but the owners were written a citation to be mailed for littering. 

Got it handled

4:13 p.m., Longboat Pass 

Agency assistance: The marine officer responded to a Coast Guard broadcast about a vessel on fire near Longboat Pass. Upon arrival, the officer saw heavy black smoke emanating from the stern of the vessel. The captain said the diesel engine was burning oil, they were already heading in and did not need any further assistance. 

Thursday, March 30

Left just in time 

4:46 p.m., 100 block of Broadway

Dog on the beach: An officer was sent to the beach after a call about a dog on the beach. When he got on the scene, he saw two people walking off the beach carrying a small dog. The officer waited for about 10 minutes to make sure they were not coming back.