Cops Corner

Construction worker accused of stealing a battery in civil dispute

When a construction boss noticed a battery was missing, Longboat Key PD was called to the scene. This and other Longboat Key Police reports in this week's Cops Corner.


  • Longboat Key
  • Cops Corner
  • Share

Friday, Dec. 29

Where’s the water?

9:57 p.m., 3500 block of Mistletoe Lane 

Information: A Longboat Key officer was dispatched to a citizen assist call when a resident came home to find no water was flowing in the house. She said people were working on gas lines earlier in the week and she believed the water may have been turned off as a result. The officer advised that she needed to call the homeowners association, a plumber or the company working on the gas lines since the property was not the town’s. 


Saturday, Dec. 30 

Something fishy 

3:55 a.m., 100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Suspicious Person: While on routine patrol, an officer noticed three men fishing in Overlook Park after hours. The officer spoke with the fishermen and said the park would not be open until 5 a.m. The three apologized and said they had walked over the bridge from Sarasota not realizing the park was closed. A quick search for any wants or warrants came back negative, and the three were asked to leave the park. 


Random vehicle found 

5:29 a.m., 6000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Suspicious Vehicle: An officer on patrol was flagged down by a church pastor who said she noticed a white Thunderbird without a license plate in the parking lot taking up two spaces. Upon arrival, the officer was unable to find a license plate or VIN number. The pastor said the car was dropped off by a loud truck a couple days prior. The officer advised that she could have the car towed since it was on private property. 


Avian transport 

10:33 a.m., 2300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Animal Problem: A resident flagged down an officer to draw attention to an injured bird in the center lane of GMD. The officer was able to locate the bird and get it in a container and transport it to Save Our Seabirds. 


Sunday, Dec. 31

NYE news 

5:51 a.m., 1900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Highway Obstruction: Multiple officers responded to help a driver stuck on GMD. The driver said she had attempted to make a U-turn and got stuck with two wheels off the road. A tow truck was called, but while waiting for the tow, an officer was able to free the vehicle and clear the road. The report said the driver was able to continue on her paper route without further delay. 


Fireworks are a go

9:45 p.m., 3400 block of Bayou Sound 

Noise Disturbance: An officer was sent to investigate a noise complaint involving fireworks in the area. On the scene, the officer met with the caller and explained that fireworks are allowed on New Year’s Eve per Florida law. 


Monday, Jan. 1

Partying into the new year 

12:16 a.m., 500 block of Linley Street 

Noise Disturbance: Two officers were sent to a noise complaint of a large party with loud music. Upon arrival, the officers heard loud music in the backyard of the residence and realized they were advised of this party earlier in the week. An officer spoke with the homeowner who said it was the last song. The party was allowed to play out the song, then guests began to disperse. 


Tuesday, Jan. 2

Trouble on the job 

3:59 p.m., 2000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Civil Disturbance: A reported theft sent a Longboat Key officer to this call. Upon arrival, the officer met with several individuals who spoke little English. It was determined that there were batteries that were possibly stolen by a worker. The boss' wife arrived on scene to help translate, and said her husband claims one of his portable power tool batteries was stolen by a worker. After speaking further, the worker went to the back seat of his truck and pulled out a battery with the other’s name written on it. He claimed he found the battery sitting in the bed of his boss’ truck and put it in his truck to keep it safe. The boss said there had been multiple issues with the worker in the past, and that he would be fired. 


Wednesday, Jan. 3

Looking out

4:47 p.m., 5500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Welfare Check: An officer was dispatched to a call of a man, possibly in his 80s, walking around Durante Park for the past two days. On the scene, the officer was flagged down by the caller who said the man appeared to be old and frail, and was concerned about his health. The officer checked the park and nearby area but was unable to find anyone matching the given description. 

 

author

Carter Weinhofer

Carter Weinhofer is the Longboat Key news reporter for the Observer. Originally from a small town in Pennsylvania, he moved to St. Petersburg to attend Eckerd College until graduating in 2023. During his entire undergraduate career, he worked at the student newspaper, The Current, holding positions from science reporter to editor-in-chief.

Latest News

Sponsored Content