Osprey man arrested in drugs investigation

Following up on complaints of drug activity in an Osprey neighborhood, multiple units of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department raided a home in the 400 block of Washington Avenue on Wednesday, arresting a man on a collection of charges.

Tyler R. Zammuto, 35, was taken into custody after driving past the home a block east of U.S. 41 and racing away after spotting law enforcement executing a search warrant there. Deputies stopped Zammuto and searched his vehicle with the help of police dog, Gunnar, who alerted to the smell of drugs, according to a report. Deputies found a small amount of rock cocaine.

In addition to traffic violations racked up along the way, Zammuto was initially arrested on a charge of cocaine possession.

During the home search, deputies reported finding evidence to support additional charges: 

• One count possession of methamphetamine
• One count possession with intent to sell controlled substance buprenorphine
• One count possession with intent to sell controlled substance alprazolam
• One count possession with intent to sell controlled substance clonazepam

Among the units taking part in the case on Wednesday: the Special Weapons and Tactics Team, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Team, Tactical Unit, Fugitive Apprehension Unit and Narcotics Enforcement Team.

“We are committed to keeping our community safe and we will continue working tirelessly to protect it,” Sheriff Kurt Hoffman said in a statement. “This was truly a collaborative effort and an outstanding job by all involved.”

Sarasota County Jail records show Zammuto was released on Thursday on $12,500 bond. He is due in court on Oct. 31, records show.