Cops Corner

SPD responds to woman hiding in shrubbery

The woman took refuge in bushes at Lido Beach fearing a random man may assault her. This and other Sarasota Police Department reports in this week's Cops Corner.


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  • | 5:00 a.m. November 6, 2024
  • Sarasota
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Saturday, Oct. 19

Fight night

1:41 a.m., 1400 block of Main Street

Fight: Upon arrival of law enforcement, a reported fight at a late-night watering hole had ended and the involved parties were separated by security personnel. One man started the brawl by striking an employee with a glass, prompting security to escort him outside. 

For reasons unknown, a fight began outside the bar among multiple individuals as a woman, apparently the sister of the instigator, “inserted herself into the fight,” according to the incident report. Described as distraught, the woman appeared to have blood on her clothing and was “moderately intoxicated.” She proceeded to point out several individuals as those who “jumped her,” seemingly at random as many were simply passing by the location. 

The man who hit the employee with the glass was arrested on battery charges.

But wait, there’s more.

At approximately 3:45 a.m., one of the responding officers to the prior fight was dispatched to the 100 block of South Pineapple Avenue in reference to an ongoing dispute. Security officers at that location said they believed the provocateur to be the proud father of the siblings at the center of the previous nearby skirmish.

Security personnel advised the man arrived yelling and asking why they had his son arrested, then proceeded to punch one of the bouncers prior to leaving the scene. The struck security officer did not wish to press charges and all of them declined to file a report.


Falling down drunk

8:19 p.m., 2000 block of Hillview Street

Dispute: A complainant told an officer that his roommate was “treating him like a child” for having the audacity to ask him to pick up his own trash inside their residence. He also added random comments that he had left the house after drinking and fell, and that he had already paid the rent for October and planned to look for another place after the month ended. He indicated that he planned to return to the residence and go to sleep.

The roommate explained that the complainant had been drinking since the previous day and tends to get drunk, adding that that he woke up from a nap to find trash inside the residence that was not his. He said he asked the roommate to clean up after himself, but he became argumentative and started swearing at both he and his wife. 

Following the altercation, he said the man left the residence, walked down the stairs, and fell on the sidewalk due to his intoxication. 

Both parties agreed to separate for the remainder of the night and to avoid any further issues.


Wednesday, Oct. 23

More than roommates?

9:28 p.m., 1000 block of South Osprey Avenue

Civil dispute: Although he wasn’t home, a complainant said he could see on security cameras his female roommate placing his expensive paintings outdoors in the side yard. The woman told the responding officer that if the man wanted his paintings he “could come back to the house and get them himself.”

The officer explained to the woman the potential consequences of her actions should the paintings become ruined, but she didn’t care and if she “had to go to jail, so be it.”

The officer contacted the complainant to describe the situation and he apologized for the woman’s actions. He added he would be home from his trip the next day and would call if any of his property was damaged to do the woman’s actions.


Friday, Oct. 25

As seen on TV

6:49 a.m., 400 Benjamin Franklin Drive

Suspicious incident: A woman called 911 to say she was hiding in the bushes near Lido Beach because she observed a male a long distance away and became concerned for her safety. 

She said the man made no attempts to approach her, but she was frightened because she has seen on TV incidents of women being sexually assaulted while walking on a beach. 

Officers were unable to locate anyone on the beach besides the complainant.

The woman was observed to have minor scratches from hiding in the bushes and received treatment from paramedics.The woman said she was unable to locate her keys or contact anyone to pick her up. She was transported to Marina Jack at her request because she did not wish for neighbors to see her exit a police car. Officers determined the woman did not fit criteria for Marchman Act or Baker Act.

 

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