Crime fighters turned crime victims

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

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The stolen cruisers were recovered, but law enforcement gear inside was not.

Manatee County Sheriff's detectives are investigating two auto theft cases involving police cruisers.

While the vehicles were later found, the law enforcement gear in them was not.

The police cruisers that were stolen were parked in the officers' Manatee County driveways. One of those officers works for Tampa, the other Sarasota. While the vehicles have been recovered, merchandise and guns inside are still missing.

Manatee County Sheriff's detectives said the cruisers were stolen only hours apart, and both were later found abandoned on the same stretch of Tuttle Avenue in Manatee County.

One was still running when investigators found it with a window smashed out.

The suspect or suspects are still at large and armed with a 9-mm gun, a Tazer, an AR 15 rifle and a police computer.

Sheriff's officials said it's alarming any time a weapon is stolen, but it's even more worrisome when a police officer's weapons are in the wrong hands.

"This was very brazen to come and take two police cars within 24 hours," Manatee County Sheriff's Spokesperson Dave Bristow said. "We're thinking it's the same person, but you know, we're not absolutely sure."

There was no major damage to either vehicle. Investigators said it doesn't appear the vehicles were stolen for a joy ride, but instead the suspect wanted what was inside. The suspect, or suspects, face charges of grand theft and armed robbery.

As far as leaving weapons inside cars, each agency has its own policy. But it's quite common to leave large weapons like assault weapons locked up inside the cars.

Sheriff's officials said most of the information inside the police officer's computer that was stolen is public records. They say their main focus is finding the suspect and recovering the weapons.

If you have any information about the stolen merchandise or police cars, call the sheriff's office at (941) 747-3011.