On Patrol – March 2010

Updated April 11, 2010.

March 31

Too tired to swim
3:42 p.m. – Officer Martin – 300 block, North Shore Road – While on patrol I observed three subjects walking out of the location walking east. All were wearing beach apparel. I stopped them and inquired about their business at the property. They stated they had swam out to Greer Island and were too tired to swim back, so they were cutting through there to get back to their car. I advised them that they were all trespassing on private property. They stated they didn’t realize it. I ran a check on all three subjects and they were clear and they had no prior violations. I gave them a verbal warning and sent them on their way.

March 30

Small dogs, big bark
10:11 a.m. – Officer Thomas – 3500 block, Bayou Circle – I responded to the location in reference to a complaint regarding a barking dog. Upon arrival, I discovered lawn maintenance workers present at the address. I did locate two small dogs secured on the pool deck that began barking as I approached them. I could not get anyone to come to the door. While still as the home, the homeowner arrived home. I spoke with him regarding the complainant. He advised that he left home and forgot to put the electronic dog collars on the dogs that prevent them from barking. He apologized for the dogs barking and said that he would try not to forget their collars in the future.

Lost in storm
10:11 a.m. – Officer Thomas – 400 block, L’Ambiance Drive – I was dispatched to the listed location in reference to a boat that had washed up on shore. Upon arrival, I met with L’ Ambiance staff that directed me out to the beach. A damaged watercraft bearing the registration of FL1471MJ was up on the sand where the condo staff had pulled it from the surf. The craft was damaged but still had its 25hp motor attached along with its gas tank and battery. Dispatch and other LBKPD officers managed to make contact with the owner of the boat. The owner advised dispatch that he would pick the boat up from wherever it is taken. He further advised that his son was towing the watercraft behind another boat when it broke loose in the storm. Town of Longboat Key workers responded to the scene to remove the craft from the beach area. The damaged craft will be stored at the maintenance yard until the owner can arrange to have it picked up.

All’s well that ends well
12:44 p.m. – Officer Thomas – 2800 block, Harbourside Drive – I met with the complainant regarding a service worker at The Moorings. Complainant advised that all contract workers on the boats docked at The Moorings are required to sign in at the ships store prior to going on the boats that they are working on each day they come to The Moorings. He showed me the log sheet, which showed several workers signed in on today’s date. He explained that a former employee of his is now working for himself on several boats tied up at The Moorings. He noticed the man had not signed in on the vendor log and asked him to do so. The worker responded back to him he didn’t need to in effect there was nothing the complainant could do about it. The complainant showed me their rules and regulations for the private property, which the subject needed to comply with if he wished to continue to provide his services to boats at The Moorings. I agreed to speak with subject about this situation and offered to get him to sign today’s log, as well as show him the regulations and recommend the benefits of complying with the moorings rules with regards to vendors. The complainant was agreeable to this.

I met with the subject at the slip where he was working on a boat. We talked for some time. He signed the log and agreed to sign it on future visits to do work at The Moorings. He explained to me a past incident that had occurred between he and the complainant when he was employed. I asked that he move past that incident and comply with the rules. He advised he would try. I gave him my LBKPD business card and asked that he contact us if any further issues required police assistance while he is in LBK.

I met with the complainant and gave him the signed vendor log. I advised him of my discussion with the subject and what he had said. I gave the complainant my business card and asked that he call with any further issues in this matter. He thanked the police department for its assistance.

Raccoon gets Kevorkian fix
8:06 p.m. – Officer Coffman – 600 block, Yardarm Lane – I responded in reference to a sick raccoon. Upon arrival I made contact with the complainant who showed me where the sick animal was. I located it near the seawall on the east side of the property. The complainant stated that the animal had not moved most of the day and she was concerned that it had gotten into some rat poison. The complainant stated she had found a black box that had contained rat poison opened near her garage. The raccoon was in obvious distress. It was breathing but not moving. I contacted my supervisor and explained to him what I had found. I was given permission to euthanize the raccoon, which I did. I then disposed of it without further incident.

Gone with the wind
9:34 p.m. – Officer Coffman – 600 block, Jessmyth Drive – I responded in reference to missing property. Upon my arrival, I made contact with the complainant who stated that she was missing a wicker chair from her pool deck. The complainant stated that she had left her residence approximately three weeks ago and returned on March 23. She said she had not noticed the chair missing until March 30 because she had not gone out onto the pool deck until then. She said all the furniture had been covered while she was not using it. On this date she noticed that the chair that she described as a brown wicker club chair along with a brown cushion and the cover that had been over the chair was now missing. She valued it at approximately $200 to $300. She said no one had been at the house while she had been away. She was unsure if it had blown into the water or had been stolen. Nothing else was missing.

March 27

Arizona campers warned
07:41 a.m. – Officer Martin – 6900 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – On patrol I located a RV type vehicle parked in the drive thru at the old Commerce building at 6950 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The building is now vacant. The vehicle had an Arizona tag# AJJ7216. I had dispatch run it and it came back to the occupant of the vehicle. The owner stated that he was traveling with his spouse and young child who were in the vehicle. He stated that they had looked for a place to park overnight and stated they had been there since about midnight the night before. I advised him that camping overnight is not allowed on Longboat Key. He stated that he understood and wouldn’t return. I ran a check on the subject and he was eventually released. The vehicle he was driving was a 1984 Toyota RVVN, off white in color. He resides in Sun City Arizona. Nothing further after he was released.

Off road
10:03 a.m. – Officer Nagell – 4700 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – While patrolling a beach access I observed several tire tracks in the sand leading to the beach. Upon closer look it appears that several vehicles have driven directly onto the beach to the water line. The area in which they are entering is private property formerly known as Holiday Beach. The area is a known nesting area for shore birds. The tracks appear to be from several different vehicles and may possibly be trucks. It appears the most recent tracks were made within the last 24 hours. I contacted Public Works Craig, and advised him. Report written for documentation purposes only. Email sent to Public Works to place a barrier at the location.

Too tall
01:19 p.m. – Officer Bourque – 200 block, Sands Point Road – I responded to a resort for the report of a van that caused damage on the listed property. Once on scene I spoke to the driver of the van. He is renting a room at an inn while here on vacation. He pulled the van into the underground parking area. The top of the van hit an overhead fire sprinkler. The van damaged both a water line and the sprinkler head. The roof of the van was also damaged. Report taken for insurance purposes.

Fight!
04:47 p.m. – Officer Bourque – 1200 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded to the lobby of a condominium for the report of a fight. When I arrived the disturbance was over. I was met in the driveway by the complainant/employee; the suspect also approached me. I told him to step away, but to stay on scene while I checked on the victim. I found the victim in the lobby, lying on his back with his feet draped over a large potted plant. The victim was conscious, but had fallen over the plant/ I had Rescue respond to check him for injuries. The victim refused transport to the hospital. I separated all parties until more police units could arrive. Once other units were on scene I interviewed the witness/complainant, victim and suspect. All three filled out statements. I didn’t see any injuries to either person involved. The victim complained that his head hurt. I checked the building security tapes, but found the cameras did not cover the area of the incident. I have probable cause to believe the battery occurred and was committed by the suspect. I did not arrest the suspect, but filed an affidavit with the State Attorneys Office. I do not have a fear of further violence from the suspect to the victim if an arrest wasn’t made because the incident was not between family members. The suspect and victim do not know each other. The victim lives in Sarasota, and the suspect is a full-time resident of Longboat Key. I do not believe the suspect is leaving the area because he is a full-time resident. He was positively identified. I told the suspect (or anyone directed by him) not to have any contact with the witness that could be construed as witness tampering, or he could be arrested for a felony. The witness is a full-time employee of the condominium where the suspect is a resident. She works at the front desk. Once on the scene investigation was complete, the victim left in his vehicle. The witness went back to work, and the suspect stayed at the building where he lives.

Interviews:

Witness: stated she worked for the condominium for the past ten years. She said while working the front desk today she saw the suspect approach the victim. The suspect told the victim to move his truck. The victim didn’t say anything. The suspect told him to move his truck a few more times, but the victim still didn’t respond. The suspect pushed the victim tow times. The second time the victim fell over a potted plant. While the victim was on the ground the suspect was yelling at the victim and kicked him twice. The witness called the police.

Victim: said he is a real estate broker, and had an appointment to show a unit in the condominium. After showing the unit he was down stairs talking to the owner of the unit. He went into the lobby to get something from the front desk. When walking back into the hallway he was approached by the suspect, who he doesn’t know, the suspect said, “Is that your f***ing truck out front?” Victim stated he didn’t respond because the suspect was displaying confrontational behavior. He said he walked back into the lobby and the suspect followed. The suspect kept telling him he needed to move his “f***ing truck”. He didn’t acknowledge the suspect. The suspect pushed him causing him to fall over the potted plant. He doesn’t remember much after that other then the suspect kicking him in the leg two times. He wants to prosecute.

Suspect: said he was going back to his unit when he saw a vehicle parked in the round about. Nobody should park there. He went into the lobby and asked the witness whose truck was out front. He found out it belonged to the victim. He told the victim to move the truck several times, but the victim didn’t say anything. He didn’t move the vehicle either. He said the victim squared off in front of him as if he was getting ready to fight. He said his back was to the witness. He said he raised both hands up in a defensive position. The victim stepped back, and tripped over the potted plant. He said he never touched the victim. He said he never kicked him either.

March 26

Long boat to Haiti
03:54 p.m. – Officer Martin – 3300 block, Bayou Sound – I made contact with a resident at the location regarding a boat registered to him that was sighted off the boast of Haiti in a bad area. The complainant wanted to know if the registered owner knew where his boat was. I spoke to the owner and he stated that he had sold the boat to a Michigan resident back in Jan. 2010. He also provided a copy of the sale contract. He stated that they buyer owns property in that country and that didn’t surprise him that it was there. I informed him that the law required that he register the boat in the buyers name within 30 days, according to the complainant. He stated that he would take care of it. I notified the complainant of the information I had located. The boat is a Boston Whaler Outrage, 26 foot, Hull# USBWCAJ560A000, Starboard motor#SX200TXRY6G6X003T, Port motor#LX200TXRY6K1X00868T.

Missing screens concern resident
04:07 P.M. – Officer Bourque – 3600 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded to the complainant residence for a theft report. The complainant lives in a condo, Her condo is on the second floor facing the street. Once on scene I met with her. She told me she was up late last night. At about 0300 hours she opened her front windows. She got up this morning and at about 1000 hours she opened her front windows and noticed her two front screens gone. When she opened the windows early this morning they were there. She has no idea who took her screens, or why. She feels an unknown person(s) is targeting her because back in Jan. of this year she was taking care of a friend’s flowers, which were kept by the elevator. Some one put something into the flowers and killed several. Now the screens are gone and she feels someone is targeting her. I checked the area but wasn’t able to located any evidence, suspect(s), or witnesses. Stolen: two window screens, valued at about $20.00 each.

Beer Can Island bust
04:34 p.m. – Officer Nagell – 100 block, North Shore Road – While attempting to locate another group of trespassers at the above location I was approached by a citizen who advised that three males subjects were on Beer Can Island “partying.” Officer Martin and I located the subjects on the Gulf side, in a make shift lean-to. We observed several open containers of alcohol. A check of the identifications revealed that none of the subjects were of age. I advised them of the cost and consequences as well as the local ordinances. All remaining beer was emptied. The lean-to was dismantled, and all trash in the area was collected. All three subjects were cooperative and advised that they were here on spring break. I advised them that after the trash was properly disposed of they were welcome to enjoy the beach. A computer check on all three subjects was negative for any wants or warrants. I escorted them to the nearest trash receptacle and they continued to their vehicle.

March 24

Car alarm crazy
10:57 a.m. – Officer Thomas – 5900 block, Emerald Harbor Drive – I was dispatched to the location and met with complainant who advised that several times during the night he was awakened by a car alarm going off in the area of the 5800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive. He pointed out the vehicle, indicating he saw the vehicle’s lights flashing when the alarm was going off. I advised him I would make contact with the vehicles owner and ask him or her to remedy the problem.

I made contact with the car owner. He was advised of the issue and he advised he was aware of the alarm going off. He stated he did not know whey the alarm kept going off. He said he had an appointment with the dealership to have the cars problem examined. He stated he would monitor the vehicle and turn its alarm off as soon as it goes off. I thanked him and then made contact back with the complainant. I advised him of what the owner of the vehicle had advised. The complainant thanked the police department of its assistance.

Fire in construction trailer
01:10 p.m. – Officer Thomas – Gulf of Mexico Drive/Broadway – I responded to the listed location in reference to a reported fire. Longboat Key Fire Department was already on scene upon my arrival, extinguishing a fire inside the listed cargo trailer, FL tag# 366NEU VIN 48BGE28247A093715. Investigation revealed that the trailer belonged to a construction company. The company is doing repair/maintenance work to the storm sewer drains in the Village area. The trailer contains their tools and other equipment to conduct the work, including a generator/air compressor. The generator/air compressor had been left running to maintain pressure and heat in the hoses used in repair work on the sewer lines. Some paint type rollers left in the generator room of the cargo trailer came into contact with the generators causing it to lose oil and stop running. The employees of the construction company were on scene to clean up the resultant oil spill and take custody of their equipment. The employees were made aware of what caused the fire and was asked to take precautions to prevent any further such mishaps.

March 23

Too early for blower
06:16 a.m. – Officer Nagell – 200 block, Sands Point Road – I responded to the area of the tennis courts on Longboat Key Club Road for a complaint of noise from a leaf blower. Upon my arrival I met with subject 1, who advised that he worked for the resort, and had been clearing off the tennis courts in preparation for the day. I advised him of the noise ordinance and that there had been a complaint filed with the resort earlier last week. He was unaware of the ordinance, and agreed to comply with it. I also spoke with subject 2 who is a security officer for the resort, and he advised that this matter would not occur again stating that he would advised the head of maintenance this morning. I issued a verbal warning and advised both subjects that further violations may result in a written warning.

Alzheimer’s patient drives off
06:45 p.m. – Officer Quarmby – 600 block, Longview Drive – complainant reported that he husband suffered from Alzheimer’s and took off in the car. She thought she had all the keys hidden, but he apparently had another set. She has taken his Drivers License and keys due to his state of mind. The card is a beige 4Runner. A BOLO (Be On the Look Out) was issued. Officers Greathouse and Erickson began to check places where he may have gone. As writer was leaving the house, the subject drove back to the driveway. Writer obtained the keys and gave them to his wife. BOLO was cancelled.

Juvenile drinking
10:24 p.m. – Officer Quarmby – 4700 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Employee of a Longboat Key hotel reported that there were several juveniles on the beach drinking beer. I located a young man from Illinois, who is staying at a nearby resort with his parents and had met up with other guests from the resort who reported the incident. All subjects were advised of the complaint and agreed to go home. No alcohol was located.

March 20

Lights spark concern
12:42 a.m. – Officer Coffman – 6600 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded in reference to a string of landscape lights that had arced underneath the exterior staircase. Upon arrival I was told that the wires had arced and that the lights had been unplugged. The fire department arrived and determined that there were some exposed wires that had arced. The power was now off. The homeowner was notified and said that the problem would be fixed in the morning.

Packed purse picked off
9:14 a.m. – Officer Thompson – 500 block, Bayview Drive – Upon my arrival I met with the complainant. He advised that sometime between 12:30 p.m. on March 19 and 08:45 a.m. on March 20 person(s) unknown forced entry into his 2006 Toyota SUV FL tag# V256EW. The Toyota was locked and parked in his driveway. The suspect(s) broke the front passenger window. The suspect(s)_ then reached into the broken window and grabbed his wife’s purse that was sitting on the front floorboard. The suspect(s) then fled in an unknown direction of travel and by unknown means.

I then spoke with his wife who advised her purse was a Dooney & Burke, grey and black in color, valued at $385. The purse contained her FL DL, ATM/Visa from SunTrust Bank, ATM/Visa from Liberty Bank, one checkbook from each bank, A Sears Card and a Chevron Card. $50 in USC, a Christmas envelope containing $175, Ray Ban sunglasses valued at $75, a Sony Digital camera valued at $150, a Verizon Moto phone model #W755 SERIAL # A000000EE05090 valued at $100. Her purse also contained an heirloom 14kt yellow gold cocktail ring with a 2kt heart shaped ruby, with smaller rubies on each side, unknown value. The victim also had in her purse her father’s ATM/Visa card. No further information was available at the time.

Vehicle vandals on rise
10:29 a.m. – Officer Thomas – 200 block, Sands Point Road – Writer responded to the listed location in reference to a complaint of a vehicle burglary. I met with security who advised that the victim had already left. Security provided me with a phone number for the victim, who was already en route to Pensacola. She said that the items in her vehicle were stolen between 1800 hours on March 19 and 0900 hours on March 20, while the vehicle was parked in the parking lot of the resort. She believes the suspect(s) gained entry through an unlocked door, due to no signs of forced entry. Once inside the vehicle the suspect(s) had access to the entire interior of the vehicle. The items stolen were located in the rear of the vehicle. I gave the victim the case number, my name, and the phone number to the LBKPD. I advised her that she would be contacted with any further developments on her case.

Fingerprints caught
12:01 p.m. – Officer Thompson – 500 block, Forest Way – Upon my arrival I met with the victim, a Mt. Pleasant Pennsylvania resident. He advised that sometime between 1900 hours on March 19 and 11:45 hours on March 20 person(s) unknown forced entry into his 2006 Volkswagen PA tag #GDZ6809. His vehicle was parked in the driveway and was locked. The suspect(s) broke the front passenger window to gain entry, causing damage. Once inside, the suspect(s) removed a Tom Tom One GPS system valued at 200. The glove box was also opened but nothing else was taken. A latent fingerprint was obtained off the front door and submitted as evidence to be processed. No further action at this time.

March 19

Child alone in park
10:59 a.m. – Officer Thomas – 3800 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Writer was on patrol in the Bayport Condominium Complex when I came upon a while male child walking around the parking lot by himself. The child was crying and appeared distraught. I asked the child where his parents were and he advised he did not know. Further inquiries revealed the boy and his family was on vacation from the Chicago area and they were staying somewhere in Bayport but he did not know where. The eight-year-old child stated he and his sister were walking when an elderly female approached them and yelled at them for being somewhere they should not be. He stated he ran off and has since become lost. The boy advised his father was down at the water fishing. I walked him toward the water where we located his father and sister. He was left in the care of his father.

Code Violation for plant sale
11:20 a.m. – Officer Hogle – 5500 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Code Enforcement Officer Micale observed suspect was violating the Sign Code Ordinance 156 by waving around a sign and attempting to flag down motorists into Durante Park for a plant sale. At 11:20 a.m., writer observed the suspect standing at the entrance to Durante Park carrying a 4-foot by 4-foot sign, waving it at passing motorists on Gulf of Mexico Drive. The suspect was within 4 feet or 5 feet of Gulf of Mexico Drive and 4 feet to 5 feet of the road entrance/exit to the park. Those actions in my opinion clearly blocked the view of anyone attempting to enter or exit the park, creating a traffic hazard by obstructing or impairing the view of motorists at that location.

I asked the suspect to comply with Code Officer Micale’s request to keep the sign within the boundaries of the park and away form the roadway. When I made that request, the suspect refused to comply and said something to the effect, “Here, you can have it.” At that point, I took the sign and advised him that he could pick it up at the police department on Monday, March 22. The subject was clearly unhappy about the sign issue and went back into the park. The sign was entered into property on receipt 0907 at the police department and is available to be returned to the subject.

Harley’s too loud
3:22 p.m. – Officer Thompson – 5400 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – While on patrol I observed two motorcycles northbound on GMD with improper exhaust. I conducted a traffic stop and identified the first subject as a Kansas resident. He was operating a blue 1999 Harley Davidson Superglide KS tag #XWINODG. He was wearing colors in the club name X-Winos. He advised that his chapter is an affiliate of the Son’s of Silence motorcycle club; his vest also displayed the SOS patch on the front. The second subject was identified also as a Kansas resident. He was operating a red Harley Davidson Softtail KS tag # O1H29. He advised they have been here a week or so and were renting a house on Bradenton Beach. The subjects were released with a verbal warning for the equipment violations.

Roadway blocked
4:15 p.m. – Officer Mislyan – 7000 block, Longboat Drive North – I observed a construction trailer causing a traffic obstruction in the street. Trailer is owned by and electric company from University Parkway in Sarasota. I located the employees working at the location and they moved the trailer to the job site upon request.

March 18

Visitor gets boot
10:14 a.m. – Officer Nagell – 600 block, Sutton Place – Officer Bourque and I responded to the above location and met with the complainant in regards to a civil matter. The complainant advised that he was staying at his father’s rented condo, and was advised by the property owner that she did not want him there. The lease is paid in full until the end of the month, and the complainant will be leaving at that time. His father, the leasee, is currently in the hospital. Report written for information only. I advised the complainant to seek legal advisement through a lawyer and abide by the advice.

Gunslinger on Key
1:46 p.m. – Officer Nagell – 5700 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Officer Quarmby, Officer Bourque and I responded to a reckless driving complaint in the 6000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive. We were informed that the driver of a white Lincoln was slamming on the brakes, and waving a gun at a vehicle traveling behind him. Upon locating the vehicle I initiated a traffic stop. Officer Quarmby secured the weapon, a Hi Point Firearms 9MM Luger serial number P 1497037, also secured were two electronic stun guns, and a knife. I interviewed the operator of the Lincoln who related that the operator of the Ford was tailgating, and honking his horn. He became scared, and stated, “I just raised my holstered pistol, I never pointed it at anyone.”

The suspect was obviously upset. I then made contact with the driver of the Ford who advised that while traveling over the Longboat Pass Bridge he honked at a friend, and then the Lincoln began brake checking, driving extremely slowly, as if to agitate him. He was unable to positively identify who had the weapon stating that once he saw it he backed down, and called 911. Officer Bourque interviewed a third passenger from the Lincoln. A computer check of all parties was negative for wants or warrants. The weapon was checked with a negative result. Officer Quarmby spoke with the driver of the Lincoln in regards to showing the weapon, and the possible consequences of it. All parties were released without incident.

March 17

Keys on the Key
11:44 a.m. – Officer Nagell- 500 block, Outrigger Lane – I met with the complainant who turned over a set of keys. A total of eight keys, a remote control to a vehicle lock, and a Winn Dixie card. The keys were taken, and submitted into property with tag 0906. Two of the keys appear to be vehicle ignition keys. The complainant advised that they were found on the side of his home.

Battery bleeding on road
12:25 p.m. – Officer Nagell – Gulf of Mexico Drive/Bay Isles Parkway – Officer Martin and I responded to the above location for a complaint of highway obstruction. Upon my arrival, I found a large vehicle battery leaking acid, and partially destroyed lying in the intersection. The intersection was partially blocked off while Public Works responded and cleaned the area.

Purse lost
1:36 p.m. – Officer Brey – Longboat Key Police Department – Complainant called to report that she had misplaced/lost her purse. Purse is described as follows: one green cloth purse with FL DL, $500 USC, assorted credit cards. Victim requested a report to assist her in replacing her Drivers License and credit cards.

Purse found
2:08 p.m. – Officer Brey – 3000 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – A worker for LBK Public Works Department turned in a small multi-colored cloth purse containing $2 USC, which he found on the sidewalk. No identification was attached to or found inside. Entered into property/evidence under tag #1754.

Dog runaway
5:35 p.m. – Officer Quarmby – 700 block, Lands End Drive – Complainant found a dog near the Whitney Beach Plaza. She recognized the dog as belonging to a Lands End resident. The residence did not have anyone home, all doors locked and three days worth of newspapers and UPS deliveries untouched. A neighbor offered to take the dog until the situation was resolved to keep the dog from having to go to Animal Control. Officer attempted to make calls to located the owners with negative results, voice mail messages were left. Shortly after the scene was cleared, writer was contacted by the neighbor who offered to keep the dog, the dog owners sister was keeping the dog while the dog owners were out of town. The dog escaped and was on his way home when the dog was found. The dog was reunited with the dog owner’s sister.

Quebec campers
11:26 p.m. – Officer Quarmby – A maroon trailer has been parked at the bay side access for several days observed by writer during daytime hours. This date at approximately 2300 hours the trailer was still at the location along with a maroon pick up truck. Both registration checks attached. The owner was found sleeping in the trailer, which looks like a cargo trailer but is a camper with sleeping quarters, kitchen and bathroom. The owner and his companion are from Quebec and stated that they speak very little English. They were advised that they would have to leave the area and camp at a campground. Writer will check the area again tomorrow night.

March 16

A genuine catfight
7:01 a.m. – Officer Bourque – 400 Gulf of Mexico Drive – On the listed date and time I responded to the BP Station for the report of a trespasser. The suspect left prior to me getting on scene. I spoke to the complainant who is the store clerk. He told me that the owners of the station instructed him to call the police, and have the suspect removed from the property if she shows up while he is working. The owners and the suspect are in dispute over a cat that lives on the property. The owners saw an ad in the paper that said the suspect was looking for a good home on a farm for the cat. The owners do not want to give the cat away, and do not want the suspect interfering any more. This morning at about 0700 hours he saw the suspect on the property. She was taking the cat for a walk. He said she should be right back.

I parked in the lot just north of the station. When the suspect returned, I came back to the station and spoke to her, I had the complainant come outside. He gave the suspect a trespass warning in my presence. After the warning was given, I told the suspect to leave the property, and do not return. If she did she would be arrested. I gave the complainant a card with the case number and the suspect information. I told him if she returned to call the police.

The suspect said she has been taking care of the cat for years. She said the cat needs to live on a farm not at the gas station. She said she did not place an add to find a home for the cat, but she was having a conversation with the paper’s reporter. She said if she could not come back on the property she would take the cat home. I told her she could not take the cat. I told her if she felt the cat belonged to her to file a complaint at Sarasota Small Claims Court.

For Sale sign struck
12:54 p.m. – Officer Thomas – 6900 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I met with the complainant who advised that sometime between approximately 2100 hours on March 14 and 1500 hours on March 15, someone damaged a ‘For Sale’ sign that he had posted at the listed location. The complainant is a realtor and represents the property for sale where the sign had been posted. It appears that someone may have struck the sign with a vehicle, knocking it loose from its base. The complainant believes he will be able to remount the sign for display on the same property.

Husband missing
8:35 p.m. – Officer Coffman – 1900 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded to the location in reference to a missing adult. Upon arrival, I made contact with the complainant who stated that her husband was overdue from errands he had been running. She stated that her husband left at approximately 10:00 a.m. to go into Anna Maria to have his taxes taken care of and then had an appointment off Main Street in Sarasota at 03:00 p.m. to have his hair cut. As of the report time, he had not returned home and she had not heard from him. She did receive a phone call from the barbershop where he had his appointment and was told that he had not made his appointment. The complainant became concerned that her husband had gotten lost or injured. While I was still on the property by the guard shack I was informed by the complainant that she had just received a phone call from another agency that her husband had been involved in an accident and was requested to come to Anna Maria off Pine Street to pick her husband up. I confirmed that the call was made by Deputy Stewart and that the husband had indeed by involved in an accident and was uninjured.

March 15

Anybody home?
1:52 a.m. – Officer Thompson – 7100 Firehouse Road – Upon my arrival I met with the complainant and the maintenance man. They advised that an unknown female that had not been observed in 4 days possibly occupied a condominium unit. Neighbors advised the lights were on for 4 days as well as a radio playing loudly. They were concerned for the welfare of the occupant. Officer Thomas and myself received no response at the door after repeated attempts to make contact. A passkey was used to enter the unit, which was found to be empty of person(s). The unit was locked up and we left without incident. A business card was placed on the door. No further action taken.

No-win situation
2:55 p.m. – Officer Thompson – 2100 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Upon my arrival, I met with the complainant, a resident of Longboat Key. She advised that her grey BMW, with Ohio tag# ECU9152 was temporarily parked in a different assigned space at her condo to unload groceries. When she returned, a nasty note had been left on her car threatening damage to her vehicle and the writer demanding an apology. The complainant then called the resident who left the note to apologize and explain. The resident yelled vulgarities at her and stated she would slice her tires. Report requested in case damage does occur to her BMW in the future. Copy of note attached as well as the complainant’s written statement.

“Dear sir or madam:
Get your f***ing car out of my space. Next time you will have no air in your tires. Call and apologize.”

March 14

Code enforcement
1:21 p.m. – Officer Silverio – 3600 block, Fair Oaks Drive – While on water patrol of the north perimeter canal, I saw the subject cutting into a section of the home with an electric saw. The back of this residence was open due to a set of doors had been removed.

The subject saw me and stopped for a minute but then continued. I turned by patrol vessel around and docked at this location. I spoke to the subject and learned that he was replacing the back doors to the home. He was doing this for this cousin, the homeowner. The homeowner is up north at this time. I explained the Town Ordinance to him and asked him to stop the work. He told me that he didn’t know that but would stop. Due to security reasons, he stated that the only way to close up the home properly was to install the doors that were missing. I inspected the site and advised him to get it done quickly and quietly. I issued the homeowner a written warning for the ordinance violation.

March 11

Hooded and suspicious
3:32 – Officer Thompson – 6700 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded to the listed location in reference to a complaint of two suspicious people wearing hooded sweatshirts,walking along the beach with flashlights. Officer Thompson and myself checked the area; we did not locate anybody out on the beach or walking in the neighboring area. No further action taken.

March 10

Purse lands on GMD
4:28 p.m. – Officer Brey – Longboat Key Police Department, 5460 Gulf of Mexico Drive – The above complainant reported finding a purse on GMD south of Durante’ Park around 11:30 this date. He said he thought the purse fell from or was purposely thrown from a vehicle traveling southbound on GMD, several car lengths ahead of him.

He could not offer any description of the vehicle except that it has a square back. The purse is described as follows: One tan cloth Giani Bernini with a leather strap. Contents include an empty baseball ticket envelope, a box of Prilosec and tissues. All zippered pockets were found open. The purse was logged into property and evidence.

March 9

Spring Break on the Key
2:40 a.m. – Officer Bourque – 1000 block, Longboat Club Road – I responded to a noise disturbance on the ninth floor of a condominium. The complainant did not want to meet with an officer, but told dispatch the people in a nearby unit were being very loud. Once on the ninth floor, but before I could get to the suspected unit, the subject was walking towards the elevators from that unit. He said he and several friends are staying in the unit for spring break. The others were not there at the time of this interview. The subject we spoke to said he would make sure everyone was quite. No further action taken.

Fraud perps foiled by granny
3:38 p.m. – Officer Erickson – 500 block, Bay Isles Road – Complainant stated that she had received a phone call from her grandson, Gregory. Gregory stated that he was in jail for DUI, in Canada, and that he needed $3,251 to get out of jail. The complainant was supposed to wire the money to an undisclosed location in Canada. Before wiring the money, complainant called her grandson’s cell phone. She got her grandson, the real grandson, Gregory, who stated that he was fine and had not been in Canada for three years. Complainant did not send the money.

Restroom graffiti
9:39 p.m. – Officer Bourque – 4000 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – On the listed date and time I responded to the 7-11 located at 4032 GMD for the report of a criminal mischief. Once on scene I spoke to the complainant, who employed as a clerk at the store. She told me she checked the men’s restroom at about 21:38 hours, and found an unknown suspect(s) had put graffiti on the inside of the bathroom door. She had no idea who did it. At about 18:30 hours she mopped the bathroom floor and didn’t see anything on the door. I did not recognize the meaning of the graffiti. It appeared to be a design with several letters which three of those letters were EPC. No suspects or physical evidence could be located. No further action taken.

March 8

Speeding lawn truck
8:28 a.m. – Officer Erickson – 600 block, Buttonwood Drive – Writer responded to a report of a speeding lawn service truck in the area of Buttonwood Drive. I contacted the owner of the lawn service company. She was advised to advise their truck drivers to slow down when on Buttonwood Drive. She agreed to do so.

No trespassing on North Shore Road
9:18 a.m. – Officer Quarmby – 200 block, North Shore Road – Complainant reported that numerous people are using the condominium property to cross over to the north beach area. The new fence erected by the Town now prevents people from access on public land and they use the private seawall. This date, two subjects had crossed and continued in spite of the complainant telling them they were on private property. I was unable to locate these subjects.

The seawall has two ‘No Trespassing’ signs on the south side of the property. In checking the area, although posted the signage is not clear on the exact property line. I suggested that the homeowner’s association place better signs and possibly post with a rope line, if it meets with code enforcement fence requirements for that area.

The complainant is aware that this is a difficult situation to police since it would require a 24/7 officer to be posted to prevent the trespassers.

Door mat disappears
10:04 a.m. – Officer Qarmby – 5100 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Complainant reported that someone took the door mat from in front of the office of the Sea Grape Inn some time between Friday night and time of this report. The doormat was approximately 2 feet by 3 feet, beige and had ‘Sea Grape Inn’ and two palm trees on it. The value is approximately $60 to $75. The complainant had no suspects and there were no witnesses found. I walked the property and did not locate the mat.

Thief dines at Popeye’s
11:46 a.m. – Officer Quarmby – 500 block, Bay Isles Road – Complainant reported that her vehicle was burglarized while parked at her place of employment, on Friday, March 5, during the daytime. Complainant, a White female, is a resident of Bradenton. The vehicle is a 2004 Ford Expedition with Florida tag 8112-IYL; VIN also recorded. The vehicle was parked in the lot south of the business. Complainant believes that she may have forgotten to lock the door of the vehicle as there is no sign of forced entry, the vehicle is equipped with electric door locks and an alarm.

Complainant states she had a small black wallet inside of the center console. The wallet contained several credit cards, American Express, Visa debit card and Discover card. She found out about the theft when her card company notified her that there was suspicious activity on her car. She found that the cards had been used to make purchases at Macy’s, Piercing Pagoda, CVS and Popeye’s Chicken in Sarasota. These purchases began at 1600 hours on Friday. At this time the amounts are unknown. The cards have been cancelled. Complainant has no suspects and there were no witnesses found. There is no physical evidence, no latents, no sign of forced entry.

March 1

School bus causes flat tire
7:38 a.m. – Officer Coffman – I responded to the area in reference to a vehicle with a flat tire. Upon arrival I made contact with the complainant, who stated that she was driving her Honda CR-V. (FL tag J02YIK) on Palm approaching Cedar Street.

Driving east on Cedar Street toward Palm Drive was a yellow Manatee County School Bus. The complainant stated that the bus turned the corner crowding her and caused her to swerve and strike a drainage culvert. Her right front tire was flattened by striking the curb. The bus continued on to pick up the children at the bus stop on Palm Drive. The complainant had already contacted her roadside service to have the tire changed when I arrived. I contacted the Manatee County School Board to report the incident. I was unable to speak with anyone but I did leave a voice mail with the department that runs the buses.

Parking signs needed
3:26 p.m. – Officer Coffman – 500 block, Bay Isles Road – I responded in reference to illegally parked cars on the roadway by the Tennis Center. Upon arrival I observed two vehicles parked in the roadway near where the road curves towards Bay Isles Parkway. There was no signage indicating “No Parking” but the vehicles were causing a visibility problem for oncoming traffic.

I met with Town employee James Linkogle who was at the Tennis Center and I explained my concerns with him. He agreed that there should be more “No Parking: signs posted especially near the curve. He said he would pass it along to Juan Florensa and try to come up with a solution.