Woman discards suitcase with $22,000 check inside

Wednesday, Jan. 1

A heated sidewalk fight

12:14 a.m., 1300 block of Main Street

Fight: Because of the high level of intoxication, neither witnesses to nor those involved in a physical altercation at a downtown restaurant were able to provide a definitive version of fisticuffs that took place in an outside seating area.

An officer contacted security personnel who pointed out the instigator, who was intoxicated and uncooperative. The subject’s wife, however, was somewhat lucid and provided some details. According to the woman, an unknown male struck her, prompting the subject to step up and defend her honor. The situation then escalated quickly as the subject and another friend entered into a brawl with other men … and women. 

During the kerfuffle, the subject broke an outdoor patio heater. The manager of the establishment said he did not wish to press charges for the damaged heater but requested the subject be held civilly. Officers reviewed security video, which confirmed the subject’s wife’s statements. No further action was taken.

Thursday, Jan. 2

Check baggage

8:48 a.m., 1400 block of South Tamiami Trail

Dispute: A man told officers his girlfriend disposed of his suitcase that contained clothing, identification and, most importantly, a check for $22,000 from a client that he needed to deliver to his boss in Utah. He advised he missed his flight to the "Beehive State" because of the disposal of his belongings.

The woman said that earlier in the morning she noticed $300 was missing from her wallet, that the man had stolen from her in the past and she believes he took the money. She said she purchased the suitcase and clothing the night before, that she threw out the items because she bought them, and she believed the man had stolen from her. 

She added she was unaware of the five-figure check inside.

The man denied stealing the woman’s money, and that there were two other men staying in the motel room. The man was advised to contact his client and place a stop on the check and that the incident was civil in nature. He then left the area in his rental vehicle.

Friday, Jan. 3

Bathroom stall peeper

6 p.m., 1400 block of First Street

Lewd and lascivious act: An employee of a retail establishment told an officer a man had made a recording or had taken photos of a 16-year-old minor inside the restroom. The victim stated he went into the restroom and was inside a stall when he looked up and saw the top portion of a cell phone pointed down toward him. He said he swatted at the phone and unsuccessfully attempted to grab it. 

The victim’s mother told the officer she received a text from him asking her to come inside immediately. A witness gave a description of the peeping perpetrator who ran out of the store after the incident. The store manager accessed security footage of the suspect and the image was disseminated to other patrol officers. 

The victim and mother informed officers they were not from the area and did not wish to pursue charges.

Saturday, Jan. 4

A concerned ex-con dad

1 p.m., 1700 block of South Tamiami Trail

Family dispute: Having recently been released from prison, a man only wanted to visit his ill infant daughter at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, but the baby mama’s mama and her boyfriend objected, resulting in a verbal altercation in the lobby.

An officer met with the father, whose demeanor was very calm while advising he had recently been released from custody for burglary and was on probation. He said that he was just visiting his daughter, but his girlfriend's mother and he do not get along. 

The officer advised that given the situation, it would be best of the father and grandmother arrange a schedule to visit the patient at different times.

While explaining the solution to the embattled grandmother and her boyfriend, she continued to talk over the officer, displaying a “bad attitude, at which point I changed my mind seeing they seemed to be the source of the conflict,” the officer wrote. 

Given the unsuccessful attempt at diplomacy, the officer informed the pair they would have to leave the hospital because of their behavior and return at another time. The officer attempted to provide the grandmother with a business card and case number, but she refused to take it.