SARASOTA, Fla -- January 25, 2016 -- 1:30 p.m.

On Thursday, January 28, 2016, Chief Bernadette DiPino will hold a swearing-in ceremony and promotional ceremony. The ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Community Room at the Sarasota Police Department, 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota.  Five (5) new Sarasota Police Officers will be sworn in and three (3) current Police Officers will be promoted from 2nd Class to 1st Class. 

“Each and every one of these Officers have the qualities the Sarasota Police Department values which are professionalism, dedication and commitment to our community,” said Chief DiPino.  “I’m looking forward to having these Officers join our ranks to help keep the City of Sarasota a safe place to live, work and play.”

The following Officers will join the Sarasota Police Department as 2nd Class Probation:

• Officer Devin Epps

  • Officer Epps was born in Philadelphia and moved to Florida at age 9.  He graduated from Lehigh Senior High School in Lehigh Acres, Florida in 2005.  Officer Epps received his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Hodges University and his LEO Certification from Suncoast Technical College in 2015.  Officer Epps also served four years in the United States Navy as an E-5 2nd Class Petty Officer, stationed in Japan.  Before joining the Sarasota Police Department, Officer Epps served as a Certified Correctional Officer with Glades and Hendry Counties.

     

• Officer Roberto Grillo

  • Officer Grillo was born in Havana, Cuba.  He graduated from Bayshore High School in Bradenton and has attended State College of Florida for the last two years.  He’s working towards his Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.  Officer Grillo received his LEO Certification from Manatee Technical College Police Academy.

     

• Officer Jamie Morrison

  • Officer Morrison was born and raised in Sarasota and is a graduate of Sarasota High School.  In 2012, she received her AA Degree in Arts and Sciences from State College of Florida.  In 2014, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from University of South Florida – Sarasota-Manatee.  In 2015, Officer Morrison received her LEO Certification from Suncoast Technical College Criminal Justice Academy.

     

• Officer Larry Phelps

  • Officer Phelps was born and raised in Sarasota and grew up in Newtown.  He graduated from North Port High School and received his AA Degree in Criminal Justice from State College of Florida in 2014.  In 2015, Officer Phelps graduated from the Suncoast Technical College – Sarasota Criminal Justice Academy.

     

• Officer Maiah Taylor

  • Officer Taylor was born and raised in Miami.  Officer Taylor received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology from New College of Florida.  She also received her LEO training from Suncoast Technical College – Sarasota Criminal Justice Academy.  Currently, Officer Taylor is attending the University of West Florida to earn her Master’s Degree in Public Health.

The following Officers, who joined the Sarasota Police Department in 2013, will be promoted from 2nd Class to 1st Class:

• Officer Clifton Bishop

• Officer Isven Chavez-Sanchez

• Officer Robert Morrison

Friends, family, community members and media are welcome to attend the ceremony.

SARASOTA, Fla. – January 27, 2016 – 10 a.m.

Officers with the Sarasota Police Department are investigating a fatal crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian that occurred at approximately 1 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, in the 2200 block of North Washington Boulevard (U.S. 301), Sarasota.

The pedestrian, an adult female, age 59, was crossing the 2200 block of North Washington Blvd from east to west, when she was struck by a vehicle. Officers attempted CPR and the victim was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. The victim died several hours later. The driver was cooperative with the investigation.

The crash investigation remains ongoing.  At this time, the identification of the victim is not being release because the next of kin has not been notified.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- January 27, 2016 -- 11:15 a.m.

On Tuesday, January 26, 2016, the Sarasota Police Department Street Crimes Unit, in conjunction with the Narcotics Unit, conducted a prostitution operation targeting individuals soliciting prostitutes; “Johns.”

The operation was conducted in the 4700 block of North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.  Five (5) men were arrested and charged with Solicitation of Prostitution.  Two of the five men were charged with possession of cocaine and crack cocaine.  Five vehicles were also seized under City Code 33-271.

Beau Blizman
Date of Birth: 05-08-1985
1939 Racimo Drive
Sarasota, Florida  
Charge
Solicitation for Prostitution

Alfredo Bernal
Date of Birth: 04-06-1972
2728 Bruce Lane
Sarasota, Florida
Charge
Solicitation for Prostitution
Possession of Cocaine

Robert Ashman
Date of Birth: 08-21-1961
1064 North Tamiami Trail
Unit 1522
Sarasota, Florida
Charge
Solicitation for Prostitution

Phouc Nguyen
Date of Birth: 12-31-1971
7519 42nd Court Street
Sarasota, Florida
Charge
Solicitation for Prostitution
Possession of Crack Cocaine

Richard Allen Kerr
Date of Birth: 5-14-1927
8225 Longbay Blvd.
Sarasota, Florida

Charge
Solicitation for Prostitution

SARASOTA, Fla. – January 27, 2016 – 1 p.m.

Detectives with the Sarasota Police Department are asking for the public’s help in identifying a male suspect, possibly a juvenile, who was caught on camera throwing a skateboard and damaging an elevator door of the new State Street Parking Garage, 1538 State Street, Sarasota, on January 12, 2016.

Detectives met with the City of Sarasota Parking Manager after video was reviewed from January 12, 2016. The video shows several males, skateboarding in the garage. At approximately 7:50 p.m., the suspect in question is seen aiming and then throwing his skateboard into the door several times. This caused damage to the outer skin of the elevator door. The cost of the damage to the door is estimated to be between $5,000 and $8,000. Video of the vandalism can be viewed at https://youtu.be/U3FYcMws_lA

Anyone with information on this case, please call Detective Kenton Montegna at 941-954-7092 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com

SARASOTA, Fla. -- January 28, 2015 -- 11:15 a.m.

Sarasota Police Department Detectives are attempting to identify a man who was seen on camera breaking into an unlocked car on January 11, 2016 at approximately 4 a.m.  The video is crystal clear and serves as a reminder to remember to always lock your car and hide your valuables.  The burglary video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/lABy3Y54quc

The suspect is seen on video riding a bicycle and passes by a 2008 Toyota truck as it’s parked outside a home in the 500 block of South Palm Avenue in Sarasota.  As the suspect passes by the truck, he pulls on the door handle and the door opens.  The suspect turns around and goes into the truck and steals a radar detector and pocket knife.  The value on the stolen items is approximately $810.

Here are a few safety reminders to help you protect yourself, your vehicles and your valuables:

• Roll up your windows, lock your vehicle and take the keys.  If you leave your vehicle unlocked, even in your driveway while running into your home for a few minutes, it’s an open invitation to criminals.  Never leave your keys in the ignition and never leave an extra “hidden” key in your vehicle.
   

• If you’re going to hide valuables and not take them with you, do it before your park your car.  That way, criminals who may be watching nearby, aren’t watching you hide your valuables.  Don’t verbalize your intent to place valuables in your trunk.

   

• Sarasota Police Department investigations reveal victims of unlocked vehicle burglaries have left purses, firearms, wallets and other valuables in plain sight for criminals to steal.  If a criminal doesn’t see anything, they’re less likely to break in.

   

• Be aware of your surroundings.  Look for suspicious people.  Report it to law enforcement.

   

• Record serial numbers of valuables and property.  If the items in your vehicle are ever stolen, it can help identify a suspect if they decide to pawn your property.

   

• Don’t park in secluded areas.  Make sure to park your vehicle in a well-lit area, ideally in an area that is monitored by parking attendants.  Always remember, if you see something suspicious, say something.  Call 911 or your local law enforcement agency.

Anyone with information on this case, please call Detective Dwayne Shellhammer  at 941-954-7014 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com

SARASOTA, Fla -- January 29, 2016 -- 8:30 a.m.

During the month of January, students at Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences have teamed up with the Sarasota Police Department to collect jeans for homeless teenagers in our community for our 3rd Annual ‘Teens for Jeans’ campaign.  The students collected approximately 250 pairs of jeans and will be making the donation to the Sarasota Police Department and Sarasota YMCA Youth Shelter on Monday.

Members of the media are invited to attend the donation drop off on Monday, February 1, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the Sarasota YMCA Youth Shelter, 1106 South Briggs Avenue, Sarasota.  Representatives from the Sarasota Police Department, YMCA Youth Shelter and Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences will be present.

The Sarasota Police Department has collected jeans for the last three years as part of the ‘Teens for Jeans’ program and campaign with Aeropostale stores and www.DoSomething.org   Early estimates show at least 500 pairs of jeans were collected this year by the community partnering with the Sarasota Police Department to drop off jeans.  According to DoSomething.org, more than a million young people experience homelessness in the United States and the one items they often request the most is a pair of jeans.

“When children run away or are taken to a shelter for immediate assistance, it’s often without any of their personal belongings,” said Captain Corinne Stannish, Criminal Investigations Division.  “We’re so grateful our community partners are willing to work with us to help these children with something as simple as a pair of jeans.”

SARASOTA, Fla. -- February 2, 2016 -- 2 p.m.

Caleb C. Spraggins, 22, of 325 8th Avenue West, Palmetto, has been arrested and is facing with multiple felony charges after waving a firearm inside a store in front of customers and then firing it into the air Monday evening.

On Monday at approximately 9:15 p.m., Sarasota Police Officers were dispatched to Moore’s Grocery, 1993 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Sarasota, reference a suspicious incident regarding a subject brandishing a firearm at shoppers. 

Shoppers told Officers that Spraggins began yelling profanity and telling customers he was going to get in the front of the line.  When one of the customers asked Spraggins to stop, Spraggins pulled a black semi-automatic pistol from his pocket and pulled the slide back, loading a bullet into the chamber.  Two of the customers told Officers that as Spraggins exited the store, he said would shoot them.  The store owner told Officers as Spraggins was leaving, he fired a shot into the air while traveling southbound on Washington Court.

Spraggins was observed by Officers a short time later running into an apartment in the 2400 block of Valerie Lane.  Officers arrested Spraggins and located a .45 caliber handgun in the apartment after given a consent to search.  A check of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) revealed the firearm was stolen out of Bradenton.  Spraggins has been charged with:

• Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (felony),

• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (felony),

• Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon (felony), 

• Gun Theft (felony)

• Resisting Law Enforcement without Violence (misdemeanor)

• Discharge of a Firearm in Public (misdemeanor)

Anyone with information on this case, please call the Sarasota Police Department at 941-316-1199 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com

Caleb C. Spraggins

SARASOTA, Fla. – February 3, 2016  – 9 a.m.

The Sarasota Music Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, February 7, 2016 from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. The 13.1 mile race will feature 20 bands, cheerleaders, lawn gatherings and more along the race course. Runners should be in the Southside neighborhoods by 8 a.m. with streets re-opened by 11 a.m.

The race will begin at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, over the Ringling Bridge and back, pass Selby Gardens, up Orange Avenue into the Cherokee Park neighborhood, back through Selby Gardens and finish back at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Lane closures are as follows for the day of the race:

Tamiami Trail (US41):

6:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

• S/B traffic will be merged into one lane from 10th Street to S. Orange Avenue.

• N/B traffic will be merged into one lane from Hudson Avenue to Gulfstream Avenue.

John Ringling Causeway and the Ringling Bridge:

6:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

• W/B traffic will be merged into one lane form Tamiami Trail (US41) to Bird Key Drive.

• E/B traffic will be merged into one lane from Adam’s Drive to Bird Key Drive.

• E/B traffic will again be merged into one lane from Hart’s Landing to Tamiami Trail (US41).

• East and West traffic will be redirected as two-way traffic in the south side lanes from Adam’s Drive to Bird Key Drive.

St. Armand’s Circle:

6:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.  (estimated)

• St. Armand’s Circle - All lanes completely closed.

• S/B lane of N. Blvd of the Presidents will be closed from Madison Dr. to St. Armand’s Circle.

• N/B lane of S. Blvd of the Presidents will be closed from Monroe Dr. to St. Armand’s Circle.

• All traffic will be re-routed via Washington Drive to Monroe Drive to S. Adam’s Drive for access to the John Ringling Causeway and Ringling Bridge.

South Orange Avenue:

6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (estimated)

• All of S. Orange Avenue is completely closed from Mound Street (US41) until it becomes McClellan Drive and continues to be closed to the intersection of S. Osprey Avenue.

South Osprey Avenue:

6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (estimated)

• All of South Osprey Avenue will be completely closed from McClellan Drive to Webber Street.

• The S/B lane of South Osprey Avenue will be closed from McClellan Drive to South Drive.

Cherokee Park:

6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (estimated)

• W/B South Drive will be closed from S. Osprey Avenue to Cherokee Terrace.

• All of Cherokee Terrace will be closed from South Drive to North Drive.

• The W/B lane only of North Drive is closed from Cherokee Terrace to S. Osprey Avenue.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- February 4, 2016 -- 11:45 a.m.

On Wednesday, February 3, 2016, a skimming device was located inside one of the gas pumps at the Marathon Gas Station, 2000 North Washington Boulevard, Sarasota.  It’s unknown how long the device was on the pump but according to the Department of Agriculture, the last time the pump was checked was in March 2015.

A member of the Department of Agriculture was conducting a routine, annual check of the gas pump on Wednesday and located the skimming device inside the pump.  The pump where the skimming device was located is out of view of any cameras at the gas station.

Customers who have purchased gas at the Marathon station should pay attention to their bank accounts and look for any unknown transactions, regardless of how small they might be and follow up with the bank if something seems wrong.

Anyone with information on this case, please call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigation Divisionat 941-954-7070 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com
 

B/M Clovid Jones 03-12-93 – Lewd/Lascivious Battery, Sexual performance by a child and Transmission of Pornography by electronic device.

 B/M Marc Storey 07-19-91 - Sexual performance by a child - Transmission of Pornography by electronic device.

On January 7, 2016, Detectives were notified of a sexually explicit video that was posted on Facebook.  This video was posted to Facebook within the months of December 2015 and January 2016. 

Detectives were able to obtain a screen shot/picture of the video, which depicts a 15 year old girl and a 23 year old male, in the back seat of an unknown vehicle.  The video is being recorded on what appears to be a cell phone held by the driver of the vehicle.

In this screen shot/picture, the 15 year old is performing a sexual act to 23 year old Clovid Jones while 24 year old Storey is recording the act from the driver’s seat. 

Detectives along with the help of the Sarasota Police Departments’ Patrol Division, Street Crimes Unit and the United States Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force have arrested both men for their parts in this crime. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Buck at 941-954-7070 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com

SARASOTA, Fla -- February 8, 2016 -- 11 a.m.

Sarasota Police Officers have received the red light camera video from ATS (American Traffic Solutions) from the night of a fatal hit and run which occurred between the 600 block and 800 block of the northbound lanes of North Washington Boulevard (US 301).

On Sunday, January 31, 2016, a metallic slate gray 2014 through 2016 Toyota Corolla LE 4-door, hit a bicyclist traveling in the northbound lanes of North Washington Blvd. between 6th Street and 8th Street, Sarasota.  The driver of the vehicle hit the back side of the bicycle and fled the area.  The vehicle in question is highlighted with a red circle in the video at https://youtu.be/lDWuybTpazM  This video is from the intersection of North Washington Blvd. and Fruitville Road. 

The metallic slate gray 2014 through 2016 Toyota Corolla LE 4-door has damage to the right front fender and right headlight.  The right front fender by the tire is missing a large piece of the vehicle.  The two photos attached (which were sent last week) are of a vehicle that is similar but these are not the vehicle involved.

According to witnesses at the crash, the vehicle in question was traveling at a high rate of speed.  Anyone with information on this crash or may have witnessed anything that evening is asked to call the Sarasota Police Department at 941-316-1199 or Officer Tim Bales 941-915-3635.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- February 1, 2016 -- 10:30 a.m.

The bicyclist involved in last night's fatal hit and run has been identified as Skyler Duane Sandifar, 28.  His last known address is in Ocala.  His date of birth is 4-14-1987.

At this time, Officers are looking for a 2014-2016 Toyota Corolla LE 4-door with damage to the right front fender and right headlight.  The right front fender by the tire is missing a large piece of the vehicle.  The 2 photos attached are a vehicle that is similar (these are not the vehicle involved).  The photo with the red circle is the area that has the damage.

The crash occurred at approximately 7:15pm Sunday between 6th Street and 8th Street along North Washington Boulevard (US 301) in the northbound lanes.  The driver hit the back side of the bicycle and fled the area.  The victim was transported to Sarasota Memorial and later died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Anyone with information on this crash or may have witnessed anything is asked to cal the Sarasota Police Department at 941-316-1199.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- January 31, 2016 -- 7:30 p.m.

Sarasota Police Officers are currently investigating a hit and run crash involving a vehicle and a bicyclist.

The crash occurred at approximately 7:15pm this evening between 6th Street and 8th Street along North Washington Boulevard (US 301).  The driver hit the back side of the bicyclist in the northbound lanes of US 301 and fled the area.

Currently the northbound lanes of US 301 between 6th Street and 8th Street are closed and are expected to be closed for the next few hours.

The bicyclist, a male, has been transported as a trauma alert to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

At this time, Officers are looking for a dark colored Corolla with front end damage.  Officers are continuing to investigate the crash to learn more details about the vehicle involved.

Anyone with information on this crash or may have witnessed anything is asked to cal the Sarasota Police Department at 941-316-1199.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- February 9, 2016 -- 1 p.m. 

Terrence Manley, 49, of 3036 31st Way, Sarasota, has been arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, a felony, in connection to last night’s shooting at the Star Mini Mart (2950 N. Washington Blvd.)  The victim and the suspect were arguing over a woman when the shooting occurred.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- February 8, 2016 -- 10 p.m. 

Sarasota Police Officers are currently investigating a shooting with minor injuries at 2950 North Washington Boulevard, Sarasota.  This is the location of the Star Mini Mart.

Officers responded to the Star Mini Mart shortly before 10pm on Monday.  A male victim was shot in the leg and was treated and released on scene.  Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division are responding and have no reason to believe the public is in any danger at this time.  The investigation is ongoing but it is believed the shooting began between two males arguing.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Sarasota Police Department at 941-316-1199.

SARASOTA, Fla. – February 9, 2016  – 3:40 p.m.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at 10:30 a.m., Chief Bernadette DiPino and members of the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division will hold a news conference to address 40 vehicle burglaries that occurred in the City of Sarasota in three parking garages between Monday and Tuesday morning. 

Detectives believe citizens could be victims and not even realize it.  Any citizen who parked in the three parking garages, listed below, in the last several days is asked to report anything suspicious or out of the ordinary to the Sarasota Police Department. 

The three parking garages where the vehicle burglaries occurred are:

1. BB & T Bank, 1800 2nd Street, Sarasota

2. Hollywood 20, 1993 Main Street, Sarasota

3. Wells Fargo Bank, 1819 Main Street, Sarasota

Three juveniles and one adult have been charged and the investigation has led Detectives to believe they are responsible for in excess of 40 vehicle burglaries.  The adult charged is Matthew S. Gunn, 18, of 3806 Belmont Boulevard, Sarasota.  He’s been charged with Burglary of an Occupied Structure, a felony, in connection with the vehicle burglaries.  The three juveniles each been charged with Burglary of an Occupied Structure and/or Burglary to an Unoccupied Vehicle.  The total number of charges is still under investigation.

In the City of Sarasota since January 1, 2016, there have been 45 vehicle burglaries and 88% of them have been to unsecured vehicles.  Anyone with information on this case, please call Detective Dwayne Shellhammer  at 941-954-7014 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com
                                                                              ###

SARASOTA, Fla. – February 11, 2016  – 10 a.m.

This morning a skimming device was located at Exxon, 1841 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, inside a gas pump.  Sarasota Police Officers were called by store employees after a routine check of the pumps showed the red anti-tampering tape was missing.  It’s unknown how long the device was on the inside of the pump.

Sarasota Police Officers are encouraging citizens when using any gas pump to check for the red anti-tampering tape.  If the tape is missing or damaged, notify store employees immediately.

Customers who have purchased gas at this Exxon gas station recently should pay attention to bank statements and look for any unknown transactions, regardless of how small they might be and follow up with the bank if something seems suspicious.

Anyone with information on this case, please call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigation Divisionat 941-316-1199 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com

SARASOTA, Fla. -- February 12, 2015 -- 8 a.m.

Sarasota Police Department Detectives are attempting to identify two subjects who were caught on camera using a white, flatbed truck, to steal a Ford F-450 from the Sarasota Ford dealership, 707 South Washington Avenue, Sarasota, on January 30, 2016.  Video of the theft can be viewed at https://youtu.be/mkHZW7bV0ts

In the video, two subjects drive southbound on Payne Parkway in a white, flatbed truck.  While driving southbound, they turn off their headlights.  The two subjects pull the flatbed in front of the Ford F-450 in the back of the parking lot and both subjects work quickly to load the truck onto the flatbed.  Once loaded onto the flatbed, the vehicle leaves westbound on Payne Parkway.  They vehicle’s estimated valued is $76,000.

Anyone with information on this case, please call Detective Darrell Nixonat 941-954-7078 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com

SARASOTA, Fla. – February 18, 2016 – 9:15 a.m.

On Wednesday evening, just before midnight, Sarasota Police Officers responded to Catholic Charities, 5055 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, for an alarm. When Officers arrived, they observed a window on the roof had been smashed. Officers then observed a male subject, George Sparrow, 48, inside the building. When Sparrow noticed the Officers, he ran out of the room into a nearby hallway. Officers called for other units and set up a perimeter.

During their investigation, Officers saw broken glass and blood in various rooms throughout the property. Officers repeatedly ordered Sparrow to exit the building for nearly an hour with negative results. Officers then entered the building and they located Sparrow hiding in a room under a desk. Sparrow was arrested and treated by EMS on scene before being transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

When medics asked Sparrow, in front of Officers, on the way to the hospital, why he was injured, Sparrow stated, "he was trying to break into the building," as well as he "was looking for money for crack." Sparrow also stated he has "been breaking into places for the past month and a half looking for money for crack."

Sparrow, who lists a home address of 507 Kumquat Court, Sarasota, has been charged with:

 Burglary of a Structure

 Resisting Law Enforcement without Violence

 Giving a False Name while Detained

George Sparrow

SARASOTA, Fla. -- February 19, 2016 -- 10:30 a.m.

On Thursday, February 18, 2016, the Sarasota Police Department Street Crimes Unit, in conjunction with the Narcotics Unit, conducted a prostitution operation targeting individuals soliciting prostitutes; “Johns.”

The operation was conducted in the 4700 block of North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.  Four (4) men were arrested and charged with Solicitation of Prostitution.  One of the four men were charged with possession of marijuana.  Three vehicles were also seized under City Code 33-271.

Eugene Borkowski
Date of Birth: 06-06-1943
603 63rd Avenue West
Bradenton, Florida  
Charge
Solicitation for Prostitution

Sanjay Chowdhury
Date of Birth: 01-10-1970
1551 Main Street
Sarasota, Florida
Charge

Solicitation for Prostitution

Maximilian Wilbur
Date of Birth: 03-28-1992
7304 West Country Club Drive
Sarasota, Florida

Charge

Solicitation for Prostitution

Knicolas Knippers
Date of Birth: 03-19-1980
3712 69th Street East
Palmetto, Florida

Charge
Solicitation for Prostitution
Possession of Marijuana

SARASOTA, Fla. – February 23, 2016  – 3:15 p.m.

Sarasota Police Officers are attempting to identify a subject who was caught on camera stealing a bicycle from inside a parking garage at the Renaissance, 750 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.  Video of the subject taking the bicycle can be viewed at https://youtu.be/RpqWIxn3TO0

On Sunday, February 21, 2016, Officers responded to 750 North Tamiami Trail in reference to a theft.  When Officers arrived, the victim told them someone had cut the lock off her bicycle and stole it.  The victim has described the bicycle as a light green/teal with white trim, made by Specialized and has the word “Ariel” on the top frame bar.  The bicycle has a value of approximately $585.

Bicycle owners are encouraged to store bicycles in a secure place when not in use and to lock them.  Officers also encourage bicycle owners to use U-Locks and not cable locks because cable locks can be easily cut.  When using a U-lock, make sure to position a bicycle frame and wheels so they take up as much of the open space within the U portion of the bicycle as possible. 

Bicycle owners in the City of Sarasota can register their bicycles online at http://www.egovlink.com/sarasota/action.asp?actionid=17232 If Sarasota Police Officers recover a stolen bicycle, they are able to identify the owner if it is registered.

Anyone with information on this case, please call Detective Darrell Nixon  at 941-954-7078 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com

SARASOTA, Fla. – February 25, 2016  – 1 p.m.

Tomorrow, Friday, February 26, 2016 at 10 a.m., media outlets are invited to follow members of the Sarasota Police Department Street Crimes Unit as they partner with gas stations to conduct safety checks of several gas pumps in the City of Sarasota for skimming devices.  Officers and gas station employees will open gas pumps to check for skimming devices inside and around the pumps.

Officers will conduct three gas station safety checks on Friday.  Media outlets are asked to meet at Siesta Shell (3440 South Osprey Ave) at 10 a.m.  Officers will partner with gas station owners to open gas pumps and inspect them.  Officers will check two other gas stations following the visit to Siesta Shell.  Media are welcome to attend all gas station safety checks.

Skimming devices on gas pumps are used to steal account information from a card’s magnetic strip as it’s swiped.  Theft of account information can lead to identify theft.  Two skimmers have been located in February in the City of Sarasota so Officers are being proactive and checking gas pumps throughout the city. 

• February 3, 2016: Skimming device located at 2000 North Washington Blvd., Sarasota (Marathon)

• February 11, 2016: Skimming device located at 1841 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota (Exxon)

How to stay safe at the gas pump:

• If something seems suspicious, notify the store clerk and pay inside

• If possible, try and use gas pumps closer to the store.  Criminals often tamper with outer pumps that are out of view of a clerk or security camera

• Monitor bank accounts regularly to watch for any unauthorized charges and report them immediately

SARASOTA, Fla. – February 29, 2016  – 11:45 a.m.

The Sarasota Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies from around the state of Florida and around the country to step up ‘Click It or Ticket’ activities.  Research shows that lap/shoulder seat belts, when used, reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45% and the risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“We want more people wearing their seat belt.  Statistics show that seat belts save lives,” said Sarasota Police Traffic Officer Tim Bales.  “There are too many people dying on the road and so many of those deaths could have been prevented if people stopped and took the time to buckle up.  We will continue to hand out tickets year-round to those people who still haven’t gotten the message,” said Officer Bales.

March 1, 2016 through March 14, 2016, Sarasota Police Officers will increase patrol officers to look for impaired or intoxicated drivers, seat belt and child restraint violators, aggressive drivers, speeding violations, texting violations and every day traffic violations.  In an effort to remind drivers and passengers to buckle up year round, the Sarasota Police Department also created a Public Service Announcement which can be viewed on our YouTube page at http://youtu.be/3piuZh6I7mc