On Patrol – February 2012
Updated March 12, 2012.
Feb. 29
Dangerous jogger
9:09 a.m. – Officer Nagell – 3300 block, Bayou Sound – I met with the complainant at the Police Department where he advised that he was concerned about a morning jogger. He advised that the jogger is using the roadway and may be hit. I advised him that I would note his concern and have night shift attempt to speak with the individual; however there was no legal ramification. Report written for informational purposes only.
Wallet found
10:45 a.m. – Officer Nagell – 600 block, Hibiscus Way – I was advised by dispatch that Holmes Beach PD had received a complaint in regards to a female’s wallet found at the Bradenton Beach Post Office. The information received was that it belonged to a LBK resident of Hibiscus Way. I made contact with the subject who was missing her wallet and had been at the Post Office Feb. 28, 2012. I advised her to follow up with the post office staff to ensure it was hers.
Suspicious waver
11:57 a.m. – Officer Nagell – 600 block, Bay Isles Parkway – I responded to the area behind Bay Isles gate for a complaint of a non-descript subject standing by a tree waving his hands. No further information was available as this was a third-party call. A check of the area was negative for anyone suspicious in nature. I spoke with the complainant who advised that he had not seen anyone and only relayed the information.
Feb. 27
Sobered up
4:53 a.m. – Officer Walls – 500 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I conducted a stop on a bicyclist for not having proper equipment. The bicyclist was riding southbound in the 500 block of Gulf of Mexico without a headlamp.
The bicyclist was identified and he stated the following: Sunday night he went to The Lazy Lobster to meet a friend and have a few drinks. He had a few too many drinks and decided that it was not safe for him to travel back to Sarasota. He stated that he found a place near the restaurant to lie down until he sobered up.
He had an orange book bag in his possession. I asked him for permission to look through the bag and he consented. I did not find anything suspicious or illegal inside the bag. He was issued a warning for riding the bike without a headlamp. I also informed him that there was no camping or loitering on the beaches. It should be noted that he stated he was homeless.
Feb. 24
Short circuit
9:31 a.m. – Officer Thomas – 1000 block, Bogey Lane – Writer responded to the location in reference to a smell of something burning. The LBKFD was already on scene upon my arrival. As a result of their investigation, it appears that some type of electrical short circuit situation occurred in the home’s kitchen fluorescent lights. The power was secured to these lights and the homeowners/residents were advised to contact an electrician prior to re-energizing the circuit.
Altercation
9:42 a.m. – Officer Martin – 4700 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – There was an altercation at the Sand Cay. The suspect had been terminated yesterday and had been asked to return a camera today that belonged to the complex. When he arrived and made contact with the complainant, who is the complex manager, an argument ensued. The suspect didn’t want to return the camera without some type of written receipt showing that he did. This was the reason for the incident. I was able to get the receipt written and get the camera returned without further incident. The complainant did ask that the suspect be trespassed. I completed a trespass warning and the suspect was advised not to return to the property.
Feb. 23
‘Capt. Speedy’
11:25 a.m. – Officer Nagell – 3300 block, Bayou Sound – I met with the complainant who related that a charter boat was “speeding” through the canal behind the above location. Officer Silverio and myself located the boat and spoke with the captain. The captain denied speeding or pushing water in the canal, however I issued a verbal warning and reminder of the regulatory sign indicating idle speed, no wake. The captain advised that he understood. I then related to the complainant that I issued the warning, and he advised that was all he wanted in regards to this.
Feb. 22
Late-night wash
12:33 a.m. – Officer Bourdeaux – 5600 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded to Harry’s Continental Kitchen in reference to a complaint of loud pressure washing being done at the location. Upon my arrival I contacted three male individuals cleaning the kitchen area of the restaurant. They were pressure washing kitchen equipment in the parking area. I was able to communicate with only one of the subjects. I advised him of the issue of the loud noise from his pressure washing equipment and that he must discontinue at this time. He understood my direction and stated that they would be done with the pressure washing for the night. They continued with cleaning up their work upon my exit.
Something wasn’t right
3:53 a.m. – Officer Greathouse – 4700 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – The complainant and security guard reported a white male subject arrived by taxicab and was possibly intoxicated. He further advised that the subject could “walk a straight line,” however he felt something was not right. He did not want any police action and requested that we not disturb this subject, as he was now most likely sleeping in his room.
The guest had a wake-up call scheduled for 6:30 a.m. and had a scheduled flight. The guard feared that the guest might try to drive himself to the airport and felt that it would not be safe to do so. I suggested that he call us if the subject attempted to leave and/or he appeared too intoxicated to drive. There was no indication that the subject had any welfare concerns, and the guard felt that he should report this for informational and safety reasons. This information will be passed on to the oncoming shift.
Missing wallet
10:15 a.m. – Officer Fraser – 4600 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – The complainant did report to police that his black wallet was missing as of 8:30 a.m. The complainant stated he last saw his wallet at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the Women’s Exchange in Sarasota where he made a purchase. The complainant stated he searched his room with negative results.
The black wallet contained his Florida driver’s license, a medical card, AAA card and Medicare card all with his name on them. It also contained $66. The complainant was advised to report the missing license to the DMV and to obtain a new one.
Smokey smell
6:42 p.m. – Officer Skinner – 2000 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded to the location in reference to a smell of smoke. Upon my arrival LBKFD advised that the smell of smoke was determined to be from a diesel generator that activated due to a loss of electricity within Seaplace. No further action taken.
Feb. 21
Golf cart under water
8:01 a.m. – Officer Walls – 2oo block, Sands Point Road – I was dispatched to the Inn on the Beach for a property damage report. When I arrived I spoke with a manager and he stated the following: around 17:45 hours a guest of the resort damaged one of the golf carts. He was leaving the No. 4 hole on the Islandside course and drove the cart into the pond. When asked if he was going to take care of the damages, he became upset and stated that he was not going to pay for the cart. He yelled that it was the resort’s fault for not showing him how to operate the cart.
The resort manager stated that the cart was driven into a salt-water pond and would need to be replaced. The cart was an Easy Go cart, and he estimated it would cost $2,000 to replace it. At the time of this report the violator could not be reached for a statement. A message was left for him to contact me at his earliest convenience.
Feb. 18
Reckless driver
9:51 p.m. – Officer Thompson – 5600 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I was dispatched to a reported reckless driver that was in a grey Ford truck southbound on GMD. Writer and assisting units were already in the area. I went southbound all the way to New Pass Bridge and was not able to locate the truck. No further action taken or required at this time.
Feb. 17
Mast lodged on bridge
1:21 a.m. – Officer Bourdeaux – Off the Key – LBKPD was contacted by a Bradenton Beach Police Department Patrol Unit in reference to a sailboat being adrift and lodged against the Longboat Pass Bridge. Upon my arrival I observed the sailboat mast leaning against the east side of the bridge with the outgoing tide. The boat was about 50 feet north of the bridge span. No occupants were observed on board the approximately 30-foot vessel. No damage was observed to the bridge or the sailboat mast.
From Coquina Beach I could observe the name ‘Incentive’ affixed to the stern of the boat. The registration numbers were affixed but not readable from my vantage point.
Contact was made with Coast Guard Petty Officer Leavell, who advised that a marine unit would investigate further. I provided him with the phone number to LBKPD if further assistance was required. The bridge tender on duty was made aware of the Coast Guard responding.
Suspicious person
9:36 a.m. – Officer Bourque – 1100 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I was dispatched to the area for the report of a suspicious person on a bicycle. Dispatch described the person as a black male on a bicycle checking out houses. No further information was given. I checked the area, but didn’t see any suspicious activity. The complaint was anonymous.
Noisy clean up needed
10:04 p.m. – Officer Thompson – 4300 block, Falmouth Drive – I responded to the area for a report of loud noise. Upon my arrival, I located the noise coming from a water clean-up company (Serv Pro). There was a large water leak at the location, which caused damage to multiple units.
E-reader unclaimed
12:58 p.m. – Officer Bourque – 500 block, Bay Isles Parkway – On the listed date and time I responded to Publix for a found property call. Once on scene I spoke with the caller, who is an employee of Publix. She advised the listed property was found Feb. 3, 2012. Nobody came in the claim the property. No name or contact information could be found. I placed the electronic reader into property at the police department.
Gorilla marketing
2:40 p.m. – Officer Bourque – 5900 block, Emerald Harbor Drive – I was dispatched to the area for the report of soliciting. Dispatch advised a full-sized truck was throwing fliers in the driveways. The truck had the name Gorilla Clean on the side. The complainant was anonymous. I checked the area but wasn’t able to locate the solicitors. I picked up a flyer and gave the company a call. I left a message informing them it was illegal to solicit on Longboat Key.
Feb. 16
$26,000 collection
3:54 p.m. – Officer Martin – 4100 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – The actual victim in this report is the Beau Ciel Property Condo Association. Their complaint is that this association had paid the Beth Callans Management Company $26,000 in advance for management services for their property. Since that time the Beth Callans Management Co. has gone out of business. The complainant acting for the victim is trying to collect through civil process that money prepaid to Beth Callans Management Co. This is not a criminal investigation. There are several pending cases that have been reported regarding this company.
Dad distressed
10:41 a.m. – Officer Thomas – 3300 block, Bayou Sound – The Police Department was called by the complainant in reference to a suspicious person. He advised that he was at work and not at home. He stated that his son had called him from home. His son told him that a man that used to do landscaping work for them had come by the house attempting to get someone to come to the door. Neither he nor his sister wanted to answer the door, and the suspect left the area riding a bicycle. The son called his father and told him what happened and the caller called the police.
Writer met with the children and confirmed that they were OK. After obtaining further information from them regarding the suspect, I asked them to lock the doors and call us if they see him again or anything else suspicious.
Writer checked the area for the suspect and called the complainant. He told me that he would prefer the suspect not come by his home anymore, as he has found out that the suspect as a history of drug use. The complainant continued by advising that the subject used to do landscaping work for them. Writer advised the complainant that I would try to locate the suspect and advised him of the town of Longboat Key codes regarding soliciting. I would also make him aware that his presence behind the gates in Bayou Sound area may be a case of trespassing, as he is not a resident. The complainant thanked the Police Department for its efforts. Both the gate guards to Bay Isles were made aware of his description and to contact LBKPD dispatch should they see anyone matching his description in the area or entering or exiting the private community. Writer checked the area extensively for the described subject with no success. Writer will continue to patrol for the subject as time permits.
Feb. 15
Gas spill
12:11 p.m. – Officer Thomas – 500 block, Harbor Point Road – Writer responded to the listed location along with LBK Fire Department in regards to a reported fuel spill. Further investigation revealed that a small amount of old gasoline had spilled inside the home’s garage. Some cardboard boxes soaked up the small amount of fuel. Writer and the Fire-Rescue Department personnel moved the cardboard boxes out to the driveway for disposal. Writer took the remaining old fuel (approximately half-gallon) to the town yard where it was turned over to Public Works employees for disposal.
Out of place
7:32 p.m. – Officer Walls – 2100 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded to the location for a suspicious person call. SCAT bus driver called in that he had recently dropped off two passengers I the area. The driver stated the subjects had a case of beer with them and they looked out of place. He described the subjects as a white male and female.
When we arrived on scene, Officer Greenhouse and I checked the immediate area for the subjects but we did not see them. We then looked in the tunnel near the 2000 block of GMD with negative results. After checking the tunnel, we walked over to the Seaplace and spoke with the guard on duty. He stated that he had seen a couple matching the description walking southbound from the area. Officer Greenhouse and I checked further south on GMD for the subjects, however we were unable to locate them.
Feb. 14
TVs left on
12:52 a.m. – Officer Skinner – Gulf of Mexico Drive/Jungle Queen Way – Officer Randy Thompson and I responded to a noise complaint near the end of Jungle Queen Way. The anonymous caller reported loud persons in the area. Upon our arrival there was no one in the area making any noise. A television could be heard from a nearby location but was barely audible from the road. An attempt to make contact at the door of the residence and by phone was unsuccessful. Without having a named complainant, no further action was taken.
Arcing wires
1:11 p.m. – Officer Morningstar – Longboat Drive and Russell Street – I responded to the location along with Longboat Key Fire Department for arcing wires. The fire department contacted Florida Power & Light and cleared the scene.
Feb. 13
Trespassed
12:33 p.m. – Officer Chrisman – Publix, Bay Isles – A subject was trespassed from Publix by the associate manager after he was caught shoplifting. A trespass warning was issued and a Waiver of Prosecution signed by the complainant. Warned was escorted from the property without incident.
Cyclist struck car
3 p.m. – Officer Morningstar – 1000 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I responded to Longboat Club Road and Gulf of Mexico Drive in reference to a reckless driver. I met with the complainant, who stated she was riding her bicycle southbound in the bike lane when the above vehicle made an improper right turn in front of her. She stated she hit the vehicle with her arm and possibly the bike and the collision caused her to fall from the bicycle. She stated they exchanged words and the driver left, but not before she was able to get a picture of his license plate with her cell phone. She is not sure whether there is any damage to her bicycle and is going to have it checked at a bike shop.
Writer approximately an hour after the incident was able to make contact with the driver of the vehicle at his residence. The violator was identified by Florida driver’s license and admitted he was the driver in the incident with the bicycle. He stated he had used his turn signal and made the turn when he was struck in the rear by the bicycle. He stated there was no damage to his vehicle or the bicycle, and since there were no injuries he did not see any reason to stay at the scene.
Writer advised violator of the statutes with regard to bicycles, right-of-way and traffic crashes. The complainant was advised that unless there was any damage to the bike directly caused by the crash, the complaint would be closed. Complainant advised she would have the bike checked and call if there were an issue.
Feb. 11
Sail away
8:57 a.m. – Officer Thomas – 6200 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – The complainant contacted LBKPD in reference to a sailboat that has been tied up at the Longboat Island Chapel’s dock since September. The complainant advised that he is a member of the church’s board of trustees and that he was appointed as being responsible for the church and its grounds. He needs assistance in making contact with the owner of the sailboat and either having it removed or informing the owner to contact them and make other arrangements.
Writer was told that the former senior minister had sold the sailboat. Writer contacted the former senior minister and was given the new owner’s phone number. Writer was also given his email address. Writer sent an email to the subject asking that he make contact with us regarding this issue. Writer was able to make phone contact with the subject and give him the trustee’s contact information, asking that he contact the trustee and resolve the issue of his sailboat. He stated he would do so.
Stuck on sandbar
7:39 p.m. – Officer Cumming – 900 block, Spanish Drive North – I responded to the east end of Spanish Drive North regarding a disabled vessel. Upon arrival I observed a boat grounded on a sandbar approximately 700 yards northeast of the Spanish Drive seawall. The boat was listing and clearly unable to dislodge from the sandbar. The vessel was approximately 21 feet and was occupied by two individuals. I was able to signal the occupants with a flashlight, who responded by signaling back with a flashlight. The wind was a constant 15 to 25 knots and the bay was extremely rough with temperatures dropping to near freezing. I believe the boater was in distress and was signaling for assistance. I notified the Longboat Key dispatch who contacted the U.S. Coast Guard requesting they respond.
Upon arrival the Coastguard officer made contact with the subjects aboard the vessel from a distance. After communicating with the subjects the Coast Guard reported the boaters refused assistance, stating they wanted to remain aboard the disabled vessel until high tide or another boat could respond to tow the grounded boat from the sandbar. Officers of the LBKPD checked on the vessel hourly throughout the night. The identities of the subjects aboard the vessel are not known and no identifiable hull numbers could be seen.
Sale and resale
7:57 p.m. – Officer Bourdeaux – 700 block, Marbury Lane – I responded to the location in reference to the complainant having ongoing issues with a subject over the sale of a 1998 Key Largo boat. She advised that July 10, 2011, she sold this boat to the subject for $200. She advised that the boat subsequently was sold to another person. The latest buyer has been attempting to have the complainant complete a lost title document with the state of Florida in order to obtain the title in his name. The complainant stated that she did not wish to go forward with this transaction due to the sale of the boat being to a subject other than the latest purchaser.
On this date at approximately 3:30 p.m., complainant received a phone call from the subject. He was angry and used profane language directed at complainant due to her not complying with his request. She requested that law enforcement contact the subject and advised him to discontinue any further phone contact.
At approximately 9:30 p.m. I spoke with the subject about the incident and advised him that any further phone contact with the complainant would not be welcomed by her and that enforcement action would be warranted if calls continued. He advised that he understood and would seek civil remedies to rectify this ongoing dispute. I provided both parties with a case number for later reference. This concluded my involvement in this case at the present time.
Feb. 10
Tale of tailing
10:50 a.m. – Officer Thomas – 600 block, Buttonwood Drive – Writer responded to the location and met with the complainants. They advised writer of an incident in which a neighbor of theirs had followed them off of the island and had then driven by their home later that afternoon. They believe this is another case of on-going harassment from this neighbor and requested he be interviewed. Writer then responded to the residence of the harassing party, the person they indicated had followed them and drove by their home. Writer spoke to all parties involved and has completed a written report of the results of these interviews. No further action taken.
Friendly barking
10:57 a.m. – Officer Martin – 500 block, Chipping Lane – I responded to the location regarding a barking dog complaint. I did not have any contact with the complainant regarding this issue. I went to the location and walked around outside the house. I didn’t hear any animals barking until I went around behind the house. They started barking then, and I also noticed a lawn crew also doing yard maintenance in an adjacent yard.
I made contact with the tenant who is renting the residence until April. He stated that he has come here the last four years because it is dog friendly. I didn’t observe any violations for the barking dog. I did inform the tenant of the complaint about the barking. He stated that he was aware of the ordinance about excessive barking. He stated they are generally quiet unless someone comes in the yard or dogs walk by in the front of the residence.
Feb. 9
Fire sprinkler damages building
20:36 p.m. – Officer Skinner – I responded to 1511 GMD in reference to a Tencon fire alarm. LBKFD was on scene upon my arrival. It was determined that the fire alarm was caused by a malfunctioning fire sprinkler in the condominium Four South. LBKFD was able to divert the water outside of the residence and then turn the sprinkler system off.
I observed that there was a significant amount of water in the interior of Four South the common area outside of Four South, the elevator shaft and stairwell. LBKFD had contacted the maintenance supervisor for this location and Serve Pro. LBKFD had turned the power off from the fourth floor and below. LBKFD was continuing to evaluate the amount of damage to Four South and the areas below.
I contacted the reporting resident of Four South, and he advised he was home alone when suddenly he observed the dirty water running across his floor. LBKFD advised that this appeared to be an incident where the sprinkler malfunctioned and was not a fire event. I secured from the scene at approximately 9:23 p.m.
Feb. 8
Scam phone call
11:39 a.m. – Officer Bourque – 500 block, St. Judes Drive – I responded to the location for the report of a suspicious phone call. Once at this address I spoke to the complainant, who told me she had gotten a call from what sounded like a male. He told her she won a $50,000 prize from Wal-Mart. All she had to do was wire $3,000 processing fee to Else Baning, 2034 Cartier, Flint, Mich. Soon as they received her money Wal-Mart would send a representative with her $50,000. The suspect’s phone number was available. I was not able to get in touch with anyone at the number. I told the complainant to contact the police department if she has any further suspicious activity.
Convertible caper
2:33 p.m. – Officer Fraser – 3500 block, Mistletoe Lane – The complainant states that a garage door opener and her Florida registration were items gone missing from the center console in her 1994 blue Mercedes Benz convertible. The complainant states she visited the CVS and the Dry Dock restaurant on Longboat Key and the Starbucks on St. Armands Circle. The complainant stated she left her convertible roof down and is not sure at which location that she visited that the items were taken. No vehicle damage was reported. Police also recommended to unplug the garage door opener and to reset the security code for her remote.
Feb. 7
Wanted and arrested
12:07 a.m. – Officer Walls – Gulf of Mexico Drive and Longboat Key Club Road – I responded to the intersection to assist FHP on a traffic stop. When I arrived the trooper informed me that the driver had a warrant for his arrest. I assisted the trooper in arresting the driver with no problems. The trooper secured the driver in the back of his squad car and had the vehicle towed. It should be noted that the driver was apparently employed with a crew who was painting the Bank of America on Longboat Key.
Feb. 6
More late construction
6:09 p.m. – Officer Thomas – 600 block, Marbury Lane – Writer responded to the listed area in reference to construction work being done after 5 p.m. Writer observed a home being built in the 700 block of Marbury Lane. A worker was leaving the jobsite. Writer informed him of the town’s code prohibiting construction work before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m. He thanked me for this information and said he didn’t know about this and would comply. Writer also spoke with a truck driver preparing to deliver concrete block. He also departed, advising he would come back after 8 a.m.
Noisy air
8:52 p.m. – Officer Bourdeaux – 600 block, Jackson Way – I responded to an address on Jackson Way in reference to an ongoing issue with noise being emitted by an air conditioner in the Whitney Beach Plaza complex. Complainant requested that his/her information remain confidential. Complainant advised that this noise has been an ongoing issue for approximately four years and that he/she has attempted to resolve this through Code Enforcement and Whitney Beach Plaza management with negative results.
After a short period of time I could hear the air unit in question activating. Complainant stated that the noise was distracting to him/her. I advised complainant that this was not an issue requiring law enforcement action and referred them to Code Enforcement for follow-up. Complainant was provided a phone number to contact Code Enforcement.
Feb. 4
Unregistered scooter — busted
2:22 p.m. – Officer Morningstar – 2400 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Writer observed a silver 2003 Yamaha motorcycle moped northbound in the 2400 block of GMD. The vehicle did not have a tag and writer recognized the operator as the owner who has a suspended license. Writer had previously contacted this vehicle and owner on Feb. 3 at approximately 6 p.m. At that time the owner was a passenger and was told to have the vehicle loaded into a truck and taken home until properly registered. See case #112-00564.
When writer turned and attempted to catch up to the vehicle it was already out of sight; writer was unable to locate the vehicle but did make contact with the owner’s grandmother at the same address. When the owner came home he contacted writer by phone; writer drove to the residence and made contact with the owner.
Writer advised him of the reason for the contact. He admitted he had been riding the moped and knew he needed a valid license. He stated he was unable to get the moped home yesterday so he returned today to pick it up and ride home.
He was issued citation 1500 GSG for Driving While License Suspended with Knowledge, date of last suspension Dec. 8, 2011. He has six current suspensions on his license. He was released on the citation and was again advised to not drive the moped until he has a valid license and the vehicle is properly registered for the road.
Heavenly hit and run?
7:08 p.m. – Officer Skinner – 4200 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I was concluding traffic control at St. Mary’s Catholic Church when a victim contacted me. She advised that she was the victim of a hit and run while her 2011 Lexus was parked at St. Mary’s. Also present was the witness, who advised he witnessed a GMC Envoy, bearing Florida tag 180NTZ, back into the Lexus and then relocate to another area of the parking lot.
The registered owner of the GMC Envoy was contacted by Officer Thompson at his residence, and he stated he had been at St. Mary’s this evening. He agreed to return to the scene so the investigation could be completed. He denied knowledge that he struck the Lexus with the GMC.
In conclusion I completed a Florida DHSMV Crash Report/long form and issued him UTC 1114 GSG charging him with Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Property Damage FSS 316.061(1) and UTC 115 GSG charging him with Improper Backing FSS 316.185(2). Refer to the crash for complete information.
Feb. 3
Wiped clean
8:13 p.m. – Officer Coffman – 5800 bock, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I met the complainant and her husband in the parking lot of the police station. The complainant stated that she and her husband were staying at a resort while visiting from Indiana. While there the complainant stated that she had placed her wallet under some paperwork in the nightstand next to her bed. She stated that she and her husband had been on the beach during the day of Feb. 4, that she had left her wallet in the room and that the room was locked. While they were on the beach the room had been cleaned.
The complainant stated that she did not look for her wallet until later when she was trying to locate something and could not find her wallet where she had left it. The complainant stated that the nightstand where she had left the wallet appeared to be undisturbed and that nothing else in the room was missing or out of place. The complainant stated that she looked all around the room in hopes that she had just misplaced the wallet but could not locate it. The complainant believed that she had left the wallet in the nightstand but would check her vehicle and room again. She had already contacted her bank before coming to the station and cancelled her credit cards and checking account. The bank told her that no activity had been recorded on her credit cards or checking account.
I was unable to process the room for any latent prints due to it having been cleaned and that they had reentered the room and searched it. I gave the complainant a victim’s rights pamphlet and information on identity theft, which she is concerned about. I had no further involvement.
Construction damage
9:12 a.m. – Officer Bourque – 700 block, Marbury Lane – I was dispatched to the complainant’s home for the report of damaged property. This residence is a single-family, single-floor residence facing north onto Marbury. The house has a canal in the back (south) side.
The complainant told me around early December a construction company began demolition on the house located just to the east of hers. She said they used large equipment to tear the house down. The equipment shook her house so badly that it permanently damaged her home. She said the vibration cracked her driveway in numerous places and separated her windows from the house. She said it made a crack between her porch and house larger. She said it made many places where her house connects to concrete (both in the walls and floors) separate.
She told me on Feb. 2 the construction crews were pouring concrete and had a mishap. The concrete boom from the truck was pointed toward her house and dumped concrete onto her porch. They tore her screen in the process. The contractor cleaned the concrete and repaired the screen, but the complainant doesn’t feel he did a professional job on either.
I looked at all the places the complainant feels the house was damaged. I am not qualified to determine how the damage occurred, but I did see the damage she pointed out. The complainant is already working with her insurance company. I told her she might want to speak with an attorney who might be able to help her determine if the contractor caused the damage, and seek restitution if he did.
Hysterical violator
1:52 p.m. – Officer Morningstar – 4000 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Writer, while following a white Honda four-door passenger vehicle with Florida plates southbound on GMD, checked the tag; per FICI the tag is not registered to a vehicle. Writer stopped the vehicle in the 4100 block and made contact with the driver.
The driver was identified by Florida driver’s license. She stated that she had her truck repossessed and was buying the car from her daughter. She stated she took the tag from her truck and put it on the car so she could drive it. When writer advised her of the criminal violation and stated she was being arrested, the driver became hysterical and started crying. Writer advised her that she would not actually be taken to jail but would be given a citation and be required to appear before a judge.
Upon further investigation writer discovered the vehicle was registered in the daughter’s name and the correct tag expired Aug. 26, 2011. The driver was advised that although she had committed a criminal violation for Attached Tag/Not Assigned she was only going to be given a citation for the non-moving violation of Expired Tag Less than 6 months. The driver was issued citation 1499-GSG for the infraction and advised not to drive the vehicle until the correct registration was renewed or the current tag has been properly transferred.
Doesn’t belong?
2:33 p.m. – Officer Bourque – 6800 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – I was dispatched to Whitney Beach Plaza to investigate a white male riding a bicycle, who according to the caller, didn’t look like he belonged. Once on scene I canvassed the area but wasn’t able to locate anyone or anything suspicious. The caller didn’t explain why the person didn’t look like he belonged. The caller did not want to speak to an officer and wanted to remain anonymous.
Unregistered scooter
5:39 p.m. – Officer Morningstar – 400 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – Writer observed a 2003 Yamaha motorcycle scooter on GMD with no tag; writer was unable to make contact with the vehicle and driver until it had stopped at the BP gas station. At the time of contact, the vehicle was unoccupied.
The owner identified himself verbally; he was not the driver. The owner did provide paperwork for the vehicle and stated he thought he had 30 days to transfer the title and get the vehicle registered. The driver was identified by Florida driver’s license. The driver stated he was just giving his friend a ride to work and did not know there was a problem with the registration.
The driver was given a verbal warning and released. The owner was advised to not drive the vehicle until it was properly registered; the owner stated he would have someone with a truck come and take the vehicle home.
Town Hall open too late
11:39 p.m. – Officer Skinner – 501 Bay Isles, Town Hall – I located an unsecured door at Town Hall, Planning and Development, while conducting security checks. The interior push bar had not been activated, which would have allowed the door to lock from the exterior. Officer Coffman and I cleared the building, and nothing unusual was found. I was able to engage the door’s push bar lock, and the building was secured.
Feb. 1
Unsecured business
12:44 a.m. – Officer Thompson – 5300 block, Gulf of Mexico Drive – While conducting business checks, I found the front door of a business at the Centre Shops unlocked. The interior of the business did not appear to have been disturbed. I was unable to secure the door without a key. I had dispatch attempt to make contact with the key holder. A message was left on their answering machine.
Bush sleeper
2:09 p.m. – Officer Thomas – Gulf of Mexico Drive and Buttonwood Drive – The complainant called LBKPD dispatch and advised the following: she was walking her dog on the sidewalk along GMD just north of Buttonwood Drive. Her dog alerted on something in the bushes alongside the road. The complainant then noticed a man lying down in the bushes. The complainant became concerned over this and went home and called the police department.
Upon arrival to the area, I observed a male, possibly Hispanic, dressed in white, standing at the bus stop not far from where the complainant had observed the man in the bushes. I continued on into the trees and bushes as described by the complainant. I walked the entire area but found nobody. I called the complainant by phone. She advised further details regarding the man she saw, stating that he was dressed in what appeared to be a white jumpsuit. She also described him as having dark hair and agreed that he may have been Hispanic.
Writer continued talking to the complainant and checked the bus stop area, but the man I had seen earlier was no longer there. The complainant advised that the man had done nothing illegal, but his presence alarmed her. I advised that I understood and we would like to know who he was and why he was there. I also informed her that he was gone and asked her to contact us if she saw him or anything else suspicious in this area again. I advised her that the police department would close patrol the area for any suspicious activity.
