- January 30, 2025
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2:01 a.m., 1400 block of Main Street
Criminal mischief: Video evidence gathered at the scene made a positive identification of a man causing property damage at a downtown restaurant. Officers were informed by the manager that a man had taken out his rage on two fire alarms and a soap dispenser in the men’s restroom.
An officer spoke with a bartender who had interacted with the subject after hearing loud commotion emanating from the bathroom. After knocking on the door, the subject said he was locked in the room and could not get out. After the subject was advised, the door locks from the inside and he was able to let himself exit, the bartender noticed the damage.
The man admitted to causing the damage, he said, because he believed he was locked inside and was trying to find a way out. The bartender astutely observed that the man may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time. The man had left the scene by the time officers arrived and was not located in the area.
Damage is estimated at $1,000 and the manager advised he wished to press charges. Because the man was not loaded at the time and officers were unable to determine whether there was malicious intent, the case was forwarded to the State Attorney's office for review.
10:55 a.m., 1500 block of Main Street
Disturbance: Disrupting a woman’s march in downtown, a shirtless man was observed throwing items, yelling and, naturally, carrying an open can of Four Loko, a fortified alcoholic beverage. Officers spotted the subject walking along the street and yelling at leaders of a demonstration on the sidewalk. Officers recognized his hostile intent toward the group, as evidenced by him reported as throwing tables.
After being transported to Sarasota County Jail, without being prompted, the man began asking why there was a large crowd and if law enforcement was going to do anything about the march. He added his actions were intended to "start a revolution,” according to the incident report.
Having been observed as being intoxicated, carrying an open container, slurred speech, flush red skin, endangering public safety, etc., probable cause existed to charge the revolutionary with disorderly intoxication.
5:29 p.m., 3000 block of Goodrich Avenue
Family disturbance: A married couple wanted a third person, who happened to be the homeowner’s brother, removed from the residence. The complainant said he allowed his brother to stay in the house “for a few days,” according to the incident report, but he has stayed an entire week and refuses to leave.
An officer spoke with the would-be squatter, who explained he has lived in the house his entire life, returning there after being released from prison a week ago. The subject receives mail at the residence and the address is listed on his Florida driver’s license.
The officer informed the couple that the paroled brother is a legal resident of the home and he must be formally evicted in order to force him to leave. No further action was taken.
9:11 a.m., 1600 block of Main Street
Criminal mischief: Returning to the business district of Main Street, an officer responded to a call from a restaurant where an unknown subject had damaged several plants that belonged to the proprietor during the wee hours or the morning.
The complainant said the subject was captured on video at about 2:17 a.m. kicking, tossing and throwing plants. The man then attempted to remove the outdoor seating umbrellas.
Briefly walking away, the man was seen returning to the scene of the crime on video, where he continued his vandalism spree. Although he could not be identified — the man was wearing a black hoodie, black pants and black shoes — the officer determined he did not appear to be homeless. No further action could be taken, although the evidence was distributed within SPD in hopes the perpetrator could be identified.
