Tricycle thief attempts a slow getaway from police

Friday, Feb. 17

Fish story

8:45 p.m., 400 block of John Ringling Boulevard

Dispute: A man told police he was fishing off a pier at the Ringling Bridge when another man approached him and asked for bait. The complainant said the man appeared intoxicated and would not stop approaching, so he told him to leave the area. Finally, the complainant said the man pulled his fishing net from his shoulder and, after resisting, he reported the man said, ”I'm going to my car to grab my 9 millimeter and put it in my waistband.” 

At that point, the complainant called police.

Upon arrival, officers located the suspect by his vehicle, who admitted to saying he had a gun, although no gun was located. He further admitted his comment about a gun was “stupid.” The man left the area on his own without further issue.

Sunday, Feb. 19

Eye roll? Please!

2:41 p.m., 3700 block of Bayou Louise Lane

Dispute: A woman displaying a dismissive eye roll escalated into a dispute as police responded after she was yelled at by a man who has allegedly repeatedly shouted at her several times about rolling her eyes while he walked past her. The man had left the area before officers arrived.

The incident was apparently part of a long-running dispute over a third party and medication that may or may not have been given to that third party, or whether that third party refused to take the medication provided. It was determined no crime had occurred and no further action was taken.

Tuesday, Feb. 21

Slow getaway

12:03 a.m., 1700 block of Spring Creek Drive

Residential burglary: A stolen tricycle was recovered shortly after it was stolen from a residence as a suspect riding a three-wheeler that matched the description was located near the intersection of South Osprey Avenue and Floyd Street. The subject fled from law enforcement on the trike before being apprehended at the 1800 block of Prospect Street.

A search of the suspect’s backpack revealed two bags of marijuana. The search for the trike started when the victim advised he observed an unknown individual enter his property and go into the backyard before taking it from the property. 

Once located, officers attempted to stop the suspect from fleeing, and eventually apprehended him on foot. He was charged with possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana. The victim was provided courtesy transport to the location to retrieve his tricycle.

Wednesday, Feb. 22

Borrowed car not returned

10:16 p.m., 2800 block of Pershing Avenue

Stolen vehicle: A verbal argument between two people in Manatee County morphed into a case of a borrowed vehicle reported as stolen. Police apprehended the vehicle in Sarasota. The suspect, a man, had permission to borrow the vehicle from the complainant, a woman, but following the dispute refused to return it. The complainant then reported it stolen.

When officers stopped the vehicle, they also discovered a small amount of marijuana inside. The driver was issued a civil citation for the marijuana. The owner arrived on the scene and took possession of the car. She did not wish to press charges and no further action was taken.