Police searching for crime spree suspect

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office investigators are searching for a suspect connected with a home invasion, false imprisonment, grand theft auto and arson case in Lakewood Ranch.

According to a sheriff’s office report, at about 5:30 p.m., July 17, a white male rang the doorbell to a home on Waters Edge Way in Lakewood Ranch. The suspect then forced his way inside the home and held the victim against his will.

The man then ransacked the residence for personal items to take. The suspect loaded the items inside the victim’s vehicle and ordered the victim into the vehicle. The suspect eventually released the victim on the side of the road at Lorraine Road and University Parkway.

The victim sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

The vehicle was later recovered at the plaza at Market Street and University Parkway. The vehicle had been set on fire.

This is ongoing investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division.

Anyone with information should call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at (866) 634-TIPS (8477).