On Patrol – December 2009
Dec. 28
Was anything legal?
07:47 p.m. – Officer Morningstar – 2100 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – while following a 2000 Lincoln utility vehicle, silver in color, registered to a Riverview, Florida resident, southbound on S.R. 789 I checked the tag. Per DHSMV, the tag expired on 11/20/09. I stopped the vehicle in the 2100 block and made contact with the driver. The driver was identified by Florida DL. He stated he knew the tag was expired, and that his wife never renewed the tag. Per DHSMV the driver’s license was suspended on 11/24/09 for Failure to Pay Traffic Fine. Driver was issued citation 2704-CYI for Expired Tag, and 2405-CYIfor DWLS without knowledge. Driver was given verbal warnings for Failure to Change Address, No Proof of Registration, and No Proof of Insurance. The driver was released and allowed to call a licensed driver to pick up the vehicle along with the driver and his passenger (12 year old son). The driver’s Florida DL was confiscated and attached to the report.
Dec. 26
Waitress looses more than tips
10:48 a.m. – Officer Coffman – 1600 bloc, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I met with the victim at the PD front lobby. She informed me she went to work at a local restaurant on 12/25/09 at about noon; she was working as a waitress. When she got off work around 2200 hours she found an unknown suspect(s) took $65.00, a Florida Driver’s License and several credit cards which were lying loose in her purse. She had left the purse in the restaurant on the floor next to the wine room. She has no idea who might have taken the items. She has cancelled the credit cards.
Wife forgot to renew
07:47 p.m. – Officer Morningstar – 2100 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – while following a 2000 Lincoln utility vehicle, silver in color, registered to a Riverview, Florida resident, southbound on S.R. 789 I checked the tag. Per DHSMV, the tag expired on 11/20/09. I stopped the vehicle in the 2100 block and made contact with the driver. The driver was identified by Florida DL. He stated he knew the tag was expired, and that his wife never renewed the tag. Per DHSMV the driver’s license was suspended on 11/24/09 for Failure to Pay Traffic Fine. Driver was issued citation 2704-CYI for Expired Tag, and 2405-CYIfor DWLS without knowledge. Driver was given verbal warnings for Failure to Change Address, No Proof of Registration, and No Proof of Insurance. The driver was released and allowed to call a licensed driver to pick up the vehicle along with the driver and his passenger (12 year old son). The driver’s Florida DL was confiscated and attached to the report.
Dec. 25
Loud exhaust fingers unlicensed driver
11:50 p.m. – Officer Mislyan – Off the Key – Observed a 2000 black Ford pick-up, FL tag#520-HAS, with a loud exhaust and recognized the driver as someone I had previously spoken with. This subject is employed locally and has no Driver’s License. I confirmed that the registered owner currently did not have a DL and then conducted a traffic stop. The subject has four prior citations of no valid DL. He was issued a criminal citation with a Sarasota County Court date.
Dec. 23
Somewhere between England, New York and Longboat
09:31 a.m. – Officer Brey – Longboat Key Police Department – The complainant came to the PD to report the loss of her British Drivers License and passport. Complainant feels they were stolen from her in New York. She was advised to make a theft report with the NY Officials. She will attempt to locate a British consulate in the area for replacement of her passport. No further police action requested. The complainant is staying at a Longboat resort through the holidays.
Old bike, new theft
10:47 a.m. – Officer Brey – 500 block, Bay Isles Parkway – Complainant/victim came into the PD to report that on Dec. 22 he left his bicycle unlocked and unattended behind Publix. Returning a short time later, he discovered that unknown person(s) had removed it. The bicycle is described as: blue/white Captive men’s bike with one yellow wheel and one white wheel, serial number is unknown and does not display any other identifiers. It is an old bike which the owner places the value at approximately $25.00.
Lost between Illinois and Longboat
06:57 p.m. – Officer Cumming – 5400 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – The complainant reported the loss of her wallet and contents. According to her, while traveling from Illinois to Florida her wallet was either lost or stolen. The wallet, reportedly made of simulated leather, and purple in color, was discovered missing upon arrival at the Longboat Key resort she was staying at. She explained she had been traveling, and driving, on the authority of a citation written in Illinois for a license violation. The Uniform Traffic Citation granted her the legal authorization to operate a motor vehicle until such time as she complied with the instructions of the court (Illinois) according to her. The wallet reported stolen or lost contained this citation. Additional contents included miscellaneous cards of no value or significance. An inquiry through the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles revealed he holds a valid state of Illinois driver license # T522-0409-1848.
Unsafe equipment initiates traffic stop
0:48 p.m. – Officer Nagell – Gulf of Mexico Drive and Ketch Lane – While patrolling in the 500 block of GMD I observed a 1998 silver Toyota SUV bearing FL tag@# B631XF northbound traveling with a semi-disintegrated front driver’s side tire. I initiated a traffic stop, as the driver was causing damage to the roadway, impeding the flow of traffic, and causing damage to his vehicle. I made contact with the operator when dispatch advised me of a seize tag order. A computer check further revealed that the operator was suspended for Financial Responsibility reasons. The driver denied any knowledge. I issued citation 2937-CYI from DWLRS without knowledge. After he signed a waiver I provided a ride home for him, and he advised that the vehicle would be removed from the side of the road within 24 hours. The tag was seized and placed into evidence.
Dec. 22
Hot tub cooks up trouble for trespassers
09:39 a.m. – Officer Coffman – 5300 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded to a Longboat Key resort for a past trespassing call. Upon my arrival I met with the manager/complainant at the office. She informed me that between 1700 hours on 12/21/09 and 0900 hours on 12/22/09 unknown suspect(s) entered the unlocked pool area and appeared to have sat in the hot tub while drinking beer. The suspect(s) left empty beer cartons behind. It also appeared someone vomited on the pool deck next to the hot tub. The manager said that no employees were at the resort between the above listed hours. She feels the suspect(s) may be coming from one of the neighboring complexes because they don’t have hot tubs. She had a ‘No Trespassing’ sign posted at the entrance to the pool. This morning when she came to work it was gone. She would like us to patrol the resort after 1700 hours and make sure trespassers are not on the property. If any are located, she does want to issue trespass warnings.
Lost without wallet
01:36 p.m. – Officer Coffman – 600 block, Sutton Place – I responded in reference to a lost wallet. Upon arrival I made contact with the complainant. She said she last saw her wallet containing her Drivers License, money, and credit cards yesterday at about 1400 house while paying for coffee and at a local convenience store. She searched her condo and car with no luck. She thinks she left the wallet on the counter next to the cash register. She contacted the store, but is was not in the lost and found. The complainant lives in Michigan and is due to fly home on Dec. 29. She is going to contact the airlines to see what identification she will need to get on the plane. She is also going to contact the credit card companies and cancel her cards. The main credit card was issued by VISA, the others were store cards.
According to the complainant the wallet was a small black wallet. It contained about $200, her Michigan Drivers License, several credit cards along with her Blue Cross Blue Shield card. I gave the complainant, the report number and told her she would probably need a copy of the report to get on the plane. I responded to the convenience store and spoke to the clerk. I checked dumpsters and the store grounds. I also checked the other store in the area. I was unable to locate the wallet.
Driver’s license found
04:20 p.m. – Officer Coffman – 5600 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded to a local convenience store for a report of a found Drivers License. Upon arrival I spoke to the complainant. She told me that an unknown customer found the listed Drivers License on 12/21/09 at about 2200 hours in the front of their store. The complainant did not have any idea how to contact the owner of the Drivers License. I took the Illinois Drivers License. The Illinois license number is P362-4574-5296, I checked for a local address but found none. I placed the license into the property locker at the Police Department.
Dec. 18
Restaurant open, but not for business
02:25 a.m. – Officer Thomas – 500 block, St. Judes – While on foot patrol writer and Officer Thompson located an unlocked rear door to the catering building of a local Key restaurant. We checked the business’ interior and everything appeared normal. We were able to lock the rear door. We asked LBKPD Dispatch to notify the key holder of the incident.
Dec. 17
Hey, not so early please!
07:47 a.m – Officer Coffman – 2000 block, Gulf Of Mexico Drive – I responded to the guard shack in reference to a disturbance. Upon arrival I made contact with the guard supervisor who told me that a lawn company hired by the Condo Association arrived at approximately 07:30 a.m and asked to drop off one pallet of sod before going to another job. They did and left a few minutes later. The complainant called the police and was very angry because the guard shack allowed the landscape company to enter the property before 8:00 a.m to drop off sod. He believed they were violating the town ordinance on doing work before 8:00. He walked out of his condo and began yelling at another worker who is employed by the complex because he was replacing a light bulb that burned out. The employee left the area and went to the guard shack in order to not get into further confrontation with the resident. I made contact with the complainant at his residence. When he came to the door he appeared to be very irritated and argumentative with me. He told me that he had been awakened by the landscaping company dropping off the sod. He said they were slamming and banging equipment around and did not appreciate all the noise. I told him there was no violation of the town ordinance because there was no work being done. I asked him about yelling at an employee for changing the light bulb. He denied it but then said the employee cursed him out by using the word hell when the employee asked him what the hell is your problem? He said he then became angry and started yelling at the employee before going inside to call the police. I told him that a burnt out light bulb constituted a safety issue and that it was being changed for that reason. He still believed it was a violation because it was being done before 8:00. I told him that it was now past 8:00 and that any and all work was allowed. I then left the area.
Out of gas and excuses
08:05 a.m – Officer Morningstar – 1400 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Traffic stop: Observed the vehicle southbound in the 1900 block of GMD traveling at approximately 20 mph; the vehicle had the emergency hazards on and there were approximately 7 vehicles following in the no passing zone. Writer turned to follow the vehicle, and observed it traveling in the bike lane, which allowed the vehicles to pass. As writer came up to the vehicle, it stopped in the 1400 block. Writer activated the emergency lights and made contact with the driver. Contact with driver: driver immediately stepped out of the vehicle and stated he ran out of gas. When I asked for ID, driver stated he forgot it at home and went to look for the registration and insurance. Driver admitted upon questioning that his license was suspended. Driver was revoked as a habitual traffic offender on 5/31/05.
Boat breaker box broken
11:37 a.m – Officer Coffman – 700 block, Hide Away Bay Drive – On 12/17/09 at approximately 11:48. I responded to the residence in reference to a suspicious circumstance. Upon arrival I made contact with the complainant. He told me that while walking his dog in the neighborhood he noticed that his boat which is kept on a lift approximately two lots east and south of his residence was sitting lower than he normally keeps it. Further inspection showed that a lock was missing from the breaker box on the backside of the meter box which is on a pole near the road by his dock. The door to the breaker box was opened and all the breakers for the lift were turned on. The breakers on a secondary box on the dock were also turned on. He said that all the breakers are normally turned off when he is not using the lift. He has not used the lift in approximately 1 month. He has not checked on the boat in 1 week. After seeing that the boat had been lowered he checked inside and around the boat and found nothing missing or out of place. The complainant wanted the incident documented in case there were further problems.
Suspect threatens police
03:44 p.m. – Officer Morningstar – 6400 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Responded to the 7000 block of GMD for a possible female with mental trouble. Captain Roberts made contact with the female, who was found sitting along the road with her head in her hands. The female refused assistance, and started walking southbound in the roadway/bike lane. A few moments later, Officer Coffman made contact with the female, who was very agitated with the second contact and refused to move to the sidewalk per Officer Coffman’s request. The subject continued to walk in the bike lane; and writer made contact. Writer made contact with the subject, who immediately yelled that she has every right to walk I the street because this is America, and that I could “Go to Hell!”. Writer then advised that if she did not cross over to the sidewalk, she would be issued a citation for walking in the roadway with sidewalk provided. Again the female refused, constantly yelling profanities and making derogatory comments while continuing to walk southbound.Writer called Officer Coffman for assistance. The subject continued with the profanity and comments, but did produce a valid Maine Drivers License. When advised she was going to be issued a citation, the subject stated she would not accept it, and would “tear it up in the front of you”. Subject was issued citation 2701-CYI.
Headlights and headaches
10:28 p.m. – Officer Thomas – 4000 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – While traveling northbound on GMD I observed a red KIA SUV traveling southbound with its passenger side headlight out. The vehicle was followed into the parking lot of the 7-11 where I informed its operator that he was being stopped for his headlight being out. He was asked for his drivers license, insurance, and registration. He announced that he had no insurance on the vehicle. A DHSMV hit showed that authorities were to seize the vehicles tag if the driver was the owner of the vehicle. A computer check also showed that his drivers license was suspended for financial responsibility (no insurance). He was informed of this and he advised that he did not know his license was suspended. I issued him two UTC’s, for no proof of insurance, and for DWLS without knowledge. I also removed the license plate, J696SW, from his vehicle, as directed to by the response from DHSMV. The tag was placed into LBKPD property.
Dec. 16
Alarm panel missing
01:12 p.m – Officer Coffman- 700 block, Emerald Harbor Drive – On 12/16/09 at approximately 01:16 p.m I responded to the above address in reference to a burglary not in progress. Upon arrival I made contact with the caretaker for the property. He stated that on 12/14/09 he was in the residence to retrieve mail for the homeowners. When he left he thought that he set the alarm and locked the door leading from the house to the garage. All the other exterior doors and windows were locked. He returned on 12/16/09 at approximately 08:30. When he returned to the residence he went through that garage door as he usually does and entered the residence. He used his key to enter into the residence from the garage so he was unsure if the door was locked. After he entered into the residence he went to where the alarm panels should have been to deactivate the alarm and noticed the panels were missing. He walked through the residence to see if he could find anything else missing, but everything seemed to be in place. He did not find any doors or windows that appeared to have been tampered with.
Dec. 15
Skidding trail left in yard
08:07 a.m – Officer Greathouse – 4000 block, Gulf Of Mexico Drive – The complainant reported damage on the south end of the above named property. Upon arrival he walked me through a landscaped portion of the property that a vehicle had apparently driven through causing considerable damage. The damage started on the southeast corner of the property and moved west through shrubs and plants and then the tire tracks continued north. It appeared that the vehicle was traveling in reverse from the evidence scene. As the tracks exited the landscaping and on to the blacktop, spinning tire marks were left as the vehicle continued north and collided with a building causing paint and rubber transfer. The color of the paint transfer were blue and black. There were also pieces of a rear lens and a black mud flap found at the scene. We gathered evidence and took photographs. The complainant estimated the damage at approximately $1,000.00. A woman from the complex reported that she heard and saw the vehicle leaving the scene. She reported that approximately 9:45 p.m she heard a vehicle engine roaring. She then saw a light colored truck backing from the area of reported damage. She could not see the driver or the tag number of the vehicle. She provided a written statement as to what she witnessed. The area was checked for any other signs of damage and or evidence. A check was also made of surrounding businesses and parking areas for vehicles that may have damage that matched the scene evidence. Information will be passed on to the oncoming squads.
2 for 1 breakin call
11:21 a.m – Officer Erickson – 700 block, Old compass Road -Writer and Deputy Chief Sharkey responded to two residences in response to a burglary at both residences. Writer contacted the house keeper for both residences. She stated that at an unknown time between 4:00 p.m on 12/7/09 and 11:21 on 12/15/09, an unknown person entered the two residences and took the keypads to the alarm systems off the wall. Entry was gained through a sliding glass door from the patio/pool area. She could find nothing out of place or taken. There was no physical evidence. She is working on getting the alarm systems restored to working order today, 12/15/09.
Underage and uninvited
01:51 p.m. – Officer Martin Jr., – 2000 block, Gulf Of Mexico Drive – I responded to the area regarding a loud party. Officer Nagell also responded. The complainant who wished to be anonymous met outside when we arrived. We located the party on an outside deck at the rear of the residence. When we approached we could hear the music playing loudly and a small crowd of subjects loitering around. There was a large amount of empty/open beer cans strewn about. We made contact with the persons present and they stated they were not the property owners or were they staying there. Persons present were also under the age of 21.
They elected to leave the property after the tenant returned from dropping another person off at another location. They had a sober driver to get them home and left. The tenant asked what the problem was and we advised him of the noise complaint by the neighbor. I also told him that he had subjects on the premises under 21 and alcohol was being consumed. He stated that he didn’t know persons under the age of 21 were at the residence. I advised him that the party was over and that they needed to take whoever was left and go inside for the evening. I also advised him that he needed to insure all persons present there were old enough to drink.
BB shots heard
04:13 p.m – Officer Cumming – 6000 block, Gulf Of Mexico Drive – At approximately 1700 hours I was flagged down by a male bicyclist in the 5000 block of Gulf Of Mexico Dr. The male reported hearing what he believed to be bb gun shots and glass shattering while riding near the vacant chevron gas station. I drove to the station and discovered eight individual glass panes had been broken. The panes were located on the north side of the structure. The break patterns appeared consistent with a bb gun or other small projectile, and the majority of the shattered glass was on the interior floor.
On 12/06/09 Officer Greathouse took a report of a white juvenile male ¼ mile from this scene shooting a bb gun at area residences. This residence appears vacant and there is no response at either the front or back door. I searched the area for 30 minutes and failed to locate anyone suspicious. Patrol requests are active for this area.
Burglery in progress
08:50 p.m – Officer Nagell – 500 block, King Fisher Lane – Captain Cumming, Officer Martin and I responded to the above location for a reported burglary in progress, or just occurred. A vehicle description of an unknown make model of truck leaving the area was given. I was less than a half mile from the address. Upon arrival at the entrance saw no such vehicle leave the area. A check of the exterior of the residence was negative for any signs of forced entry although I found a sliding glass door closed and unsecured. After clearing the interior the key holder responded and advised that there appeared to be nothing taken or out of the ordinary. I was able to make contact with the homeowner in Illinois, and I advised her that all appeared to be fine with the residence. She did advise that a maid would stop by the police department in the morning and check the residence completely. Nothing further at this time.
Dec. 14
Locksmith uses residents’ address
12:23 p.m.- Officer Erickson – 500 block, Haylard Lane – Complainant stated that a locksmith company is using her address as their business address. The complainant tried calling the company to find out why, but the phone just kept ringing. Complainant has received no problems being caused by this, but thinks this to be suspicious. At this point we are unable to contact anyone at the locksmith company.
Jet ski on the loose
12:35 p.m.- Officer Erickson – 2000 block, Harbour Court Drive – Complainant stated that he found a floating jet ski dock floating by his sea wall. He checked with his neighbors, but no one claimed it. It was towed and pulled out of the water and taken to a storage area. In the process of towing the dock, the tow cleat pulled out of the dock, leaving a hole in the plastic dock. The dock is described as a shoremaster port floating jet ski dock. Complainant stated that he would like to claim the dock if no one else does.
Ex moves cash over internet
01:38 p.m. – Officer Greathouse – 5000 block, Gulf Of Mexico Drive – The complainant reported that her daughter’s ex-boyfriend, transferred money from her daughters account on two different occasions without her permission. The first transfer was reportedly on 11/09/09 for $500.00 and the second was on or about 11/20-11/29/09 for $427.95 according to the complainant. The money was transferred into his mother’s checking account. The complainant could only advise that the ex-boyfriend somehow obtained the password and used it to transfer funds. She further stated that her daughter and her ex-boyfriend both live in separate states. The daughter filed a report and also contacted the fraud department. The fraud department advised the complainant’s daughter to file a police report with the longboat key police department since that is where the account was opened. The complainant advised that her daughter is on the account and has signature authority. Pending further investigation.
Money order found
02:09 p.m. – Officer Brey – 5000 block, Gulf Of Mexico Drive – The complainant brought a western union money order, tracking number into the PD stating he found it on the ground outside of a restaurant. I was unable to trace the owner using the information on the money order. Western union advised the purchaser cannot be traced via the tracking number. The check was entered into property/evidence. Employees of the restaurant were also advised.
Dec. 12
Cage cut, but no prints
05:07 p.m. – Officer Martin – 700 block, Emerald Harbor Dr.- I made contact with the complainant regarding an attempted burglary to his screen enclosed pool cage. An unknown person had damaged the door frame and cut the screen at the top near the locking latch. The complainant stated that he felt it had occurred in the last few days. I looked at the cut marks on the screen and they were frayed and discolored making me believe that this occurred sometime ago. The complainant stated that he did not see anything missing or moved from the pool area. The areas damaged were to dirty to process for latent prints. The estimated amount of damage was $100 for a new screen door. There is no follow up information at this time. I gave the complainant information on how to make his home safer from criminals.
Dec. 11
Who’s that lurking?
08:05 p.m. – Officer Thomas – 400 block, Longboat Club Rd.- Complainant called in reference to a suspicious person. Upon arrival Officer Thomas observed the described suspicious person near the front of the condominium complex. We spoke with the suspect and learned that she had been visiting a friend at a nearby condominium complex. She said they had been arguing and she left. She did not want to return to that condominium and was trying to find a hotel to stay for the night. We asked if there had been any violence and she advised there hadn’t been. We offered her a ride out of the area but she declined. She said she would walk to the nearest hotel. She gathered her things and walked off. I met with the complainant and he advised that he did not recognize the unknown woman as a resident. No further action was taken.
Dec. 8
I need help grandma…not!
05:51 p.m. – Officer Mislyan – 400 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Complainant reports that a wire fraud scam occurred today. A caller to her home phone stated that he was her grandson and needed $900.00 to be sent to him via western union. She complied with the request by going to the bank and then to Publix, an agent for Western Union. Upon return to her apartment, she was advised by a neighbor that this is current common practice for con artists to make such calls. She then called her family up north and spoke to her daughter and grandson. They are not in distress and did not make the call. She then contacted customer service at the Publix. The manager was able to stop the wire transaction and she should be able to get a refund.
