Sarasota Officer Franklin arrests Lido Shores resident for burglary

A Lido Shores resident was arrested last week after an alleged burglary at La Malinche Mexican Restaurant, 40 S. Blvd. of the Presidents on St. Armands Circle.

According to a news release, Sarasota Police Officer Donzia Franklin was patrolling on bicycle at 4 a.m. Thursday, July 19, when she noticed Jeffrey Todaro, whom she recognized as an island resident, walking westbound quickly on John Ringling Boulevard.

One minute later, Franklin was dispatched to the burglary scene at La Malinche.

La Malinche owner Azore Fontanot told police that he heard someone moving around inside the restaurant and confronted the perpetrator, who was later identified as Todaro. Police say Todaro swung at Fontanot and swung at him before running out of the restaurant.

Franklin found Todaro riding a bicycle on North Washington Drive. Fontanot was transferred to the location and identified Todaro as the suspect.

Todaro, 44, who lists an address in the 400 block of Bowdoin Circle in Lido Shores, was arrested for burglary of an occupied dwelling. His record includes arrests on 14 felony and 13 misdemeanor charges.
Franklin has patrolled the area for 18 years, often on bicycle.

Last year, she received the Community Service Award from the Lido Shores Homeowners Association.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].