Golf carts vandalized at county fairgrounds

Sunday, Jan. 1

Air conditioning vandalism

1:31 p.m., 2100 block of Dixie Avenue

Criminal Mischief: Rather than an HVAC repair company, a non-functioning air conditioner brought police to a home where the resident said she went outside to check her unit only to discover it had been taken apart inside. The caller said she believes the perpetrator was a family member. 

The caller said her son saw the family member nearby but did not witness him vandalizing it. There is also no video footage available. The caller said she did not know where her cousin went because he is currently homeless. She also said she did not want to press charges. The value of the damage is estimated at approximately $1,500.

Stolen pistol at large

3:30 p.m., 1500 block of 22nd Street

Burglary Vehicle: A woman told police someone broke into her vehicle and stole a 9 millimeter pistol from her purse. The victim said she was visiting a friend at his residence and left her purse in her locked vehicle while inside. When she returned, she noted her purse was too light, and opened it to find the pistol missing.  While the officer was on the scene, a neighbor came forward and said he believed a family member was involved in the theft of the firearm, adding he has heard him speak about breaking into vehicles. The juvenile was later discovered nearby with a second juvenile. Both were questioned, but a firearm was not found in their possession. The case was forwarded to the SPD Criminal Investigations Division for further investigation.

Monday, Jan. 4

Golf cart rodeo

10:25 a.m., 3000 block of Ringling Boulevard

Property Damage: An employee of the Sarasota County Fairgrounds reported three male juveniles illegally entered a barn at the rear of the property and caused damage to three golf carts while racing them around the barn. The barn is located in the center lot the property and is surrounded by a tall chain link fence. The perpetrators apparently climbed the fence to enter and exit the barn.

Surveillance video shoes three male juveniles entering the barn, racing around in the golf cards and smashing through a stack of soda cans. Damage, which included headlights, a flattened tire and a shattered windshield, is estimated at $1,000. No arrests had been made at the time of the report.