Behind the Headlines
If you have any information about these crimes or any person(s) involved, you are urged to call SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or click the Submit a Tip button to anonymously provide information. We want your information, not your name! We will pay a cash reward of up to $3,000 if your tip leads to an arrest.
Suspect sought after series of smash and grabs
November 23, 2018
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying and tracking down a suspect who detectives believe is responsible for at least six smash and grab bar burglaries on Wednesday.
Each one of the instances occurred in the late afternoon and early evening hours on Wednesday, November 21, mostly in the parking lots of south Lee County gyms. Cars parked at LA Fitness, located at 8951 Bonita Beach Road, Crunch Fitness, located at 3306 Bonita Beach Road, and Around the Clock Fitness, located at 1664 Alico Mission Way, were all targeted by the unknown male suspect. Every vehicle had a window smashed and personal items stolen. The suspect attempted to use some of the stolen credit cards at area businesses, including the Target at Coconut Point. Surveillance cameras captured images of him leaving the area in a white Dodge Journey.
“This is a different method of car burglary than what we normally see. Typically, suspects will target unlocked vehicles, however this thief is a bit more bold and is taking the time to break windows,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “To help prevent becoming a victim, we strongly encourage drivers to keep all valuables out of plain sight, which would help remove the incentive for a crook to break a car’s window.”
Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
UPDATE - Detectives seeking information on school threat
November 20, 2018
In a continuing effort to determine who was responsible for the written threat made at Cypress Lake Middle School last week, detectives returned to the school today to speak with more students. Late this afternoon, they obtained a confession from student Isabella De La Rosa (DOB 3/2/06). De La Rosa was charged with one felony count of a written threat to do bodily harm or mass shooting, as defined by Florida State Statute. She is currently being booked at the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC). Her mugshot should be available later this evening on the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s website.
“The act of making a threat of something as serious as a school shooting is no joking matter, and as this young lady is finding out today, it is, in fact, a serious crime,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “We hope that parents will seize this opportunity to have a discussion with their children about the repercussions of these bad choices and the impacts that will have long lasting effects on their lives.”
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: NOVEMBER 16, 2018
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help generating information on a threat posted in a bathroom at Cypress Lake Middle School earlier this week.
According to detectives, a written threat of violence was found at the school on Wednesday afternoon, November 14th. An unknown person wrote “shooting Nov 14” inside one of the handicap stalls in the girls bathroom. After interviewing several students, and ensuring that there were no altercations or disturbances on campus, the threat was deemed non-credible. Detectives and school administrators are now shifting their focus to find out who was responsible for writing the threat.
“Any time someone makes a threat towards a school or its students, law enforcement launches a full investigation to ensure student and staff safety,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “Every threat is taken seriously and is thoroughly checked out. False threats tie up resources which could otherwise be deployed to authentic emergencies. There are repercussions to these irresponsible actions and students needs to be aware that consequences will accompany any false threats made to a school.”
Anyone with information on the person or persons responsible for Wednesday’s threat at Cypress Lake Middle School is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
Search is on for convenience store robbery suspects
October 31, 2018
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help tracking down two robbers who held up a Lee County 7-Eleven convenience store yesterday morning.
According to employees, two unknown males wearing masks and gloves entered the 7-Eleven store, located at 11700 S. Tamiami Trail, just after midnight on Tuesday morning. One suspect brandished a black pistol and demanded money from the store’s register. After collecting an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect then took a female victim’s purse, containing her Florida identification card, credit cards and miscellaneous personal items. Both men fled on foot headed westbound on Palm Drive.
The first suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 5’3”, 120 pounds, with a thin build, approximately 20 years of age. He wore a black long sleeved hooded sweater, blue jeans and a black mask. The second suspect is described as a black male, 6’2”, 150 pounds, approximately 25 years of age, wearing a grey long sleeved hooded sweater and a black mask. The black suspect did not display any weapons and did not speak during the robbery.
Anyone with information on the identities of either suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
Tips sought in non-credible school threat
October 25, 2018
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for assistance from young adults to help identify the student or students responsible for a non-credible threat at a Bonita Springs school earlier this week.
On Tuesday, October 23rd, a student at Bonita Springs Middle School, located at 10141 W. Terry Street, reported observing writing on the inside of a bathroom stall stating “date of shooting” and “December 13.” Detectives with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s Youth Services Division launched an immediate investigation and subsequently deemed the threat as non-credible to either Bonita Middle, or other schools. They additionally determined that there was no correlation to any incidents for the December 13th date.
Although the writings have not been determined to be a credible threat, the fact that they implied a threat is a crime in and of itself. Crime Stoppers is hoping to hear anonymously from students at Bonita Middle who may have information on the person or persons who wrote those words on the stall wall.
“Law enforcement takes every single implication of a threat as an extremely serious matter,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “Students need to realize that this is no joking matter, and that in this day and age, they absolutely cannot joke about these sensitive topics. We encourage any student or parent who has information on who wrote those words to come forward and help ensure that these types of threats do not happen again.”
Anyone with information on the identities of the person or persons responsible for the threat is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Suspect sought in attempted sex crime
October 10, 2018
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect who was involved in an attempted sex crime Monday night.
According to the victim, an unknown male approached her in the area of Barbie Lane and Tucker Lane shortly after 8 p.m. on October 8th. She reported that the man threw her to the ground, and attempted to sexually assault her. The victim, fortunately, managed to get away and run for help, however the suspect is still at large. He is described as a white male who was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and cowboy boots, and was riding a black bicycle.
Anyone with information on a suspect fitting that description, who was seen in that area of North Fort Myers on Monday night, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
Reward increased in hopes of finding a killer
October 05, 2018
STATUS: OPEN
Thanks to an anonymous donor, the reward for information leading to an arrest in a 2013 homicide has increased again.
This week, another $1,000 was added to the reward fund for the murder of Kyle Byrtus. Kyle was only 25 years old when an unknown assailant took his life in August 2013 and left his body in a secluded field in Lehigh Acres. Investigators and family members alike have felt for years that although Kyle was found in Lehigh, the answers on who is responsible for his death lie within the Pine Manor community, where Kyle spent a significant amount of his time.
The total amount of reward money for information leading to an arrest in Kyle’s case is now $5,200 – $2,200 from anonymous donors and $3,000 from Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers.
“Despite the time that has passed, family members and friends of Kyle are determined to find justice,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “The answers are absolutely out there – it’s just a matter of someone having the sense of good conscience to come forward and share what they know so that Kyle can finally rest in peace.”
Anyone with information on the person or persons responsible for the murder of Kyle Byrtus is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000 from Crime Stoppers and $2,200 from anonymous donors. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
UPDATE - Suspect sought in attempted kidnapping near university campus
October 03, 2018
** UPDATE #2 **
Just over a week after an unknown suspect attempted to pull a woman into his truck in the parking lot of an Estero housing complex, Crime Stoppers is still asking for the public’s help.
A composite sketch of the man was released last week, and multiple anonymous tips have been received. Detectives, however, are looking for more input on possible names to pair with the sketch. Anyone who recognizes the man in the sketch is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
** UPDATE #1 ** SEPTEMBER 24, 2018
After meeting with detectives this morning, the victim was able to help investigators create a composite sketch of the man who attempted to kidnap her last night. Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of this man is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying and tracking down a suspect who tried to kidnap a young woman late last night.
The victim pulled into the parking lot at The Residences college dorm, located at 19801 Village Center Drive in Estero, just after 11:30 p.m., when she heard a vehicle speeding behind her. When she turned around to look, the vehicle came to a stop right next to her and the driver exited the vehicle. Without saying a word, the man grabbed the victims jacket and began forcibly pulling her towards his car. In fear for her safety, the victim fought back until the suspect let go. The victim managed to run away and call for help, while the suspect fled towards nearby shops and then eventually onto Ben Hill Griffin Boulevard.
The suspect is described as a white male, in his late 20s or early 30s, with a thin build, blond hair, brown eyes and a possible scar under his left eye near his nose. He was driving a black Ford SUV, possibly an Explorer.
Anyone who may have witnessed the attempted kidnapping, or who may have any information on the suspect, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
Suspects swipe more than $75,000 in guns & jewelry during North Fort Myers burglary
October 01, 2018
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying and tracking down two suspects who broke into a North Fort Myers home this weekend and stole jewelry, prescription medicine and several firearms.
A home security system captured images of the men breaking into the home on Palm Isle Circle just after 3 a.m. on Saturday, September 29th. After approaching the house on foot, one suspect used a crow bar to pry the front door open. Once inside the home, both men proceeded to ransack the residence, rummaging through drawers, file cabinets and two locked safes. Before leaving through a sliding glass door, the suspects loaded a laptop, several firearms, more than $75,000 in jewelry, as well as prescription medication, into pillow cases taken from one of the bedrooms.
Anyone with information on the identities and whereabouts of the suspects is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
Suspects sought in collection of crimes
September 19, 2018
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying two women who are believed to be part of a crew involved with multiple theft and fraud cases at stores throughout Lee and Charlotte Counties over the last few weeks.
According to detectives, the females are making their rounds at Walmart stores throughout Southwest Florida by stealing items outright, as well as making fraudulent purchases. The suspects have been using diversion tactics in some of the instances, including one last week at the Walmart store located at 14821 Six Mile Cypress Parkway. While at that establishment, two women went to the cash register with a basket full of purchases. After the items were scanned by the cashier, one of the women asked for cigarettes. When the cashier turned her back, one of the women pretended to swipe a credit card, to imply she was paying for the purchase, while the second suspect reached across the counter to finalize the transaction on the register. When the employee turned around, it appeared that the sale had been completed, at which point the women were given a receipt and left the store with the items that they truly never paid for. This method has been duplicated at stores throughout the region, and the women caught on surveillance cameras are believed to be part of a larger enterprise targeting stores primarily in Southwest Florida.
Anyone with information on the identities and whereabouts of these women are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
UPDATE - Convenience store robbery suspect at large
September 06, 2018
STATUS: ARRESTED
As a result of a Crime Stoppers tip, the suspect in last Friday’s attempted robbery at the Zoom Thru convenience store is now in custody.
Deputies identified and arrested Richard Kyle McDowell (DOB 9/11/92) late yesterday afternoon. McDowell was charged with one count of armed robbery and is now being held without bond in the Lee County Jail.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2019
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying and tracking down a suspect who robbed a Lee County convenience store at knifepoint early Friday evening.
At 5:16 p.m. on August 31, an unidentified white male rode a bicycle to the Zoom Thru convenience store, located at 14088 Palm Beach Boulevard. After requesting a pack of cigarettes and a Monster drink, the suspect jumped the chain between the drive through and the store and pulled a large hunting knife on the clerk, demanding all the cash in the register. Moments later, a customer pulled up behind him, prompting the suspect to flee on his bike. The customer chased the suspect for a brief time, before the armed robber ditched his bike and took off on foot.
Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or on the P3Tips mobile app.
Armed suspect targets North Fort Myers woman
September 04, 2018
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying an armed suspect who tried to rob a North Fort Myers at gunpoint Monday night.
The victim arrived at her Foxlake Drive home around 7 p.m. on September 3rd. Before exiting the car, she sat in the vehicle for a few minutes to return a text message. During that time, an unknown black male knocked on her window under the guise of asking for directions. When the victim opened the car door to assist the stranger, he pulled out a gun and demanded the victim’s purse. The woman refused to comply and yelled loudly, prompting the suspect to run away. It is believed that he left in a silver four-door vehicle, which quickly left the area. Detectives believe the victim was likely followed home from a trip to the Wal Mart on Pine Island Road.
Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
Suspects sought after shooting, attempted armed robbery
August 20, 2018
STATUS: OPEN
Nearly a month after a Lehigh Acres man rebuffed an armed suspect attempting to rob him, detectives are still hoping the pubic can help identify the suspects responsible.
Two enhanced photos of one of the suspects are being released in hopes of connecting a name to one of the armed robbers. It’s been nearly a month since the incident at the Suncoast Credit Union ATM, where two men approached the victim and demanded his cash. The victim refused to comply, and a scuffle ensued, leaving the victim with a gunshot wound to the leg. Both suspects retreated and are still at large.
Anyone with information on the identity of either suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
Suspect sought after trying to use stolen credit cards
August 07, 2018
STATUS: OPEN
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying an unknown suspect who tried to use credit cards stolen from a Lehigh Acres resident.
The victim arrived at her Bainmar Drive home around 9 p.m. on July 25th, and inadvertently left her purse on the drivers side floor of her unlocked car. Within a few hours, someone broke into the car and removed her wallet, which contained $150 in cash, credit cards and personal identification. Just a few hours later, an unknown suspect attempted to use the victim’s cards at an ATM located at the Crossroads Plaza Wells Fargo bank. After several failed attempts to gain access to the victim’s funds, the bank locked the account and the suspect left with only the items stolen from the car.
Cameras on the ATM captured images of the suspect and now Crime Stoppers is hoping someone will be able to place a name with the photos. Anyone with information on the name and current whereabouts of the male suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
Public’s help sought in finding missing shrimp boat worker
July 25, 2018
STATUS: FOUNDBrandon Scerri, DOB 4/9/95, was reported missing off the shrimp boat “Jacob”, which was on a return trip from the Florida Keys/Dry Tortuga area. The boat docked at Fort Myers Beach this morning. Scerri is a transient on Fort Myers Beach, who has been known to frequent the Chapel by the Sea church on Estero Boulevard and has no local family members. Investigators say Scerri has been a missing person in the past and may suffer from mental health issues.
Anyone who has seen Scerri within the last 24 hours is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip through the P3Tips mobile app.
Burglar busts through roof in search of lottery tickets
July 19, 2018
As a direct result of cooperation and assistance from the community, detectives have arrested Kevin Croft (DOB 2/16/88) for yesterday morning’s break-in at Laurel Lane Grocery store. Croft was booked into the Lee County Jail just over an hour ago and faces charges of burglary, grand theft and criminal mischief/property damage.
This afternoon’s arrest is the 21st booking for Croft, who is also a registered convicted felon. His criminal past includes multiple counts of drug use, theft and battery, among other criminal counts. He is currently being held on $15,000 bond.
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying an unknown suspect who busted through the roof of a North Fort Myers business early Wednesday morning and stole several hundred dollars worth of lottery tickets.
Just before 1 a.m. on Wednesday, July 18th, the burglar alarm was triggered by an unknown suspect at Laurel Lane Grocery, located at 2119 Laurel Lane. When deputies arrived on scene, they discovered that the roof of the store had been breached and the business burglarized. The suspect smashed and cut through the plywood and asphalt shingled roof to enter the business. Once inside the store, surveillance video showed the man quickly move to the register area and remove several dozen lottery tickets. After shoving the tickets in his pants, he then returned to the hole in the roof and crawled his way out of the business.
The suspect is described as a white male, between 20 and 30 years of age, with an athletic build. He was clean shaven and has a short crew cut style haircut.
Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
Suspect sought in failed robbery attempt
July 18, 2018
STATUS: OPENSouthwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying a male who attempted to rob a North Fort Myers convenience store last night.
Around 10:20 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17, an unknown suspect entered the Circle K, located at 780 Pondella Road. He immediately approached the clerk, while brandishing a knife, and stated “dollar, dollar.” Within a matter of seconds, he left the store empty handed, originally fleeing on foot, but possibly entering a white vehicle waiting nearby.
The armed suspect is a male of an unknown race, between 5’8” and 5’10”, 180 pounds, wearing a blue long sleeved hooded sweater with a lime green shirt over the hoodie. The suspect used black material to cover his face and wore gloves at the time of the attempted robbery.
Anyone with information about the identity and whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
Crooks cop high end champagne
July 17, 2018
STATUS: OPENSouthwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help tracking down several individuals who slipped several bottles of costly champagne from a Lee County Publix Monday morning.
Before noon on Monday, July 16, four unknown Hispanic males entered the Publix store, located at 11851 Palm Beach Boulevard. Surveillance video shows two suspects selecting two bottles of Moet champagne and placing them into a shopping cart. Two additional suspects then approached and loaded up four more bottles of Moet. Once all customers left the aisle, the men placed nearly $350 worth of champagne into brown plastic bags. One suspect stood by the store’s front door, while a second suspect left with the brown plastic bags filled with stolen champagne. The remaining two perpetrators fled shortly thereafter.
Surveillance photos captured images of the suspects and now Crime Stoppers is hoping the public can place names with their faces. Anyone with information on the identities and whereabouts of the suspects is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
Shopping tool can now lend a hand to Crime Stoppers
July 13, 2018
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has partnered with the Amazon online shopping service to help raise funds which will eventually help put criminals behind bars.
Subscribers to Amazon now have the ability to have a portion of the proceeds of their purchases designated to be donated to Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers. Users of Amazon simply need to link existing accounts to Amazon Smile, and then select Southwest Florida Crimestoppers Program Inc. Once Crime Stoppers is chosen as the charity of choice, .05 percent of all future purchases will be distributed to the local non-profit which serves Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry and Glades Counties. There is no additional cost to Amazon subscribers to tap into the Amazon Smile program.
The partnership between Crime Stoppers and Amazon comes just days in advance of Amazon’s fourth annual Prime day on Tuesday, July 17th, which is considered by the online shopping service as one of its largest shopping days of the year, offering deeply discounted items and one of a kind products.
“Something as simple as shopping can now make a difference in the safety of your community,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “All monies generated through Amazon Smile will help fund Crime Stoppers, and ultimately assist in the payment of rewards to residents who call in anonymous tips.”
Good Samaritan turns out to be burglary suspect
July 11, 2018
STATUS: OPENSouthwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help tracking down a seemingly Good Samaritan, who turned out to be a would-be thief.
On Friday, June 29th, the owner of Biggerstaff Electric, located at 1121 Gretchen Avenue in Lehigh, arrived at his business around 7 a.m., only to find the water system on the side of the building partially dismantled and spraying water. He met with an unknown male, who stated that he drove by the business and saw three males attempting to steal the system. The citizen said he tried to stop the water from spraying out until the business owner arrived. After speaking briefly with the owner, the citizen left the area.
Upon review of surveillance video perched outside the building, it was discovered that the Good Samaritan was actually the lone suspect who brought a satchel full of tools to the business just a few hours earlier, and expeditiously unplugged the system, turned off the valves and started to remove pipes for the system. When he returned a short time later to retrieve the water system, he unexpectedly found the businesses owner outside. It was then that he fabricated the story about the three other suspects, who video proves never existed. The Good Samaritan turned suspect wore the same clothing during the dismantling of the system as he did when he feigned a fake story about the theft in progress.
Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the burglary suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
Reward increased to track down beach burglar
July 05, 2018
STATUS: OPENSouthwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying and tracking down a suspect who picked locks at Pinchers Crab Shack and took off with a bag full of cash last weekend. And an anonymous donor is adding extra money to the reward fund to help encourage people who have information on the suspect to come forward.
The burglary was noticed early Saturday morning, July 2nd, when managers prepared the restaurant, located at 6890 Estero Boulevard, for the day’s business. An employee noticed that a door to the restaurant, which is always locked, was left partially opened. Upon further investigation, he noticed that the manager’s office was pried open, as was a large steel safe. A review of surveillance video shows an unidentified male jumping over the southwest wall of the business at 3:26 a.m. As the suspect approached the rear of the business, he could be seen grabbing metal tools from his pockets. The suspect quickly managed to pick the lock to the office door and then, subsequently, the businesses safe. Approximately nine minutes later, video images showed him scaling the wall to flee, this time carrying a large bag filled with an undisclosed amount of cash, which included money belonging to the restaurant, as well as tips that were to be given to employees.
The suspect is believed to be between 5’8” and 5’10”, 225 pounds, and wore a mask and a Florida Gators sweatshirt during the theft. Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000 from Crime Stoppers and $2,000 from an anonymous donor. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.comor by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.
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