Sarasota Police arrest teens suspected of burglaries

Sarasota Police have arrested four teens following an apparent crime spree that struck downtown this week. 

Between Monday and Tuesday morning, 18-year-old Matthew Gunn and three unnamed juvenile accomplices burglarized more than 40 cars in three parking garages near the intersection of Links Avenue and Main Street, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Authorities have asked that anyone who parks in the BB&T Bank, Wells Fargo or Sarasota Main Plaza report anything suspicious or missing from their vehicles.

A witness, a special agent with the U.S. Coast Guard, called police after noticing Gunn crouched behind a black Mustang in the BB&T Bank garage. He detained the suspect until detectives arrived.

Capt. Corinne Stannish said during a press conference this morning the suspects had been skipping school and engaging in “car-hopping,” a crime of opportunity in which unlocked cars are targeted. The teens took iPods, cigarettes, cash and other valuables.

"I believe it was just an easy opportunity for them to get some cash,” said Stannish. “And what they were planning to do with it — I’m not sure.”

Gunn has been charged with a felony, burglary of an occupied structure, while the three unnamed suspects have been charged with similar crimes.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Det. Dwayne Shellhammer at 954-7014 or leave an anonymous tip with CrimeStoppers by calling 366-TIPS (8477).