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Suspect Is Arrested In West Shore Rash Of Car Burglaries

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By HOWARD ALTMAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 23, 2008

Updated: 08/23/2008 12:14 am

TAMPA - An auto burglary at the Tuscany Point Apartments last week has led to the discovery of a rash of connected auto burglaries in the West Shore area, with at least 20 vehicles broken into by the same people, police said.

The only person arrested so far is Arianna Josefina Alvarez, 18, a Florida National Guard enlistee, according to police records and the National Guard.

The investigation began Aug. 14, when an auto burglary was reported at 3350 W. Hillsborough Ave.

About $950 worth of property was taken from a Mazda Protege. A short time later, the victim's credit cards were used at a McDonald's restaurant and at two Wal-Mart stores.

Using surveillance video from those stores, Tampa police Detective Sal Mazza obtained descriptions of the burglar and a vehicle. On Wednesday, Mazza and Detective Pat Lynch tracked down Alvarez, of 4016 W. Laurel St., police said.

Authorities retrieved some of the items stolen from the Tuscany Point Apartments, a police report said.

Alvarez was charged with burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, three charges of grand theft, five charges of fraudulent use of a credit card - all felonies, and two charges of petty theft, both misdemeanors.

Investigators say Alvarez had at least two accomplices. They are responsible for at least 20 auto burglaries in the West Shore area, the report said.

Alvarez was released from jail Thursday on $18,500 bail, but her freedom was short-lived.

About 11 hours after walking out of jail, Alvarez was arrested on nine counts of burglary, six counts of grand theft and two counts of petty theft. She was being held in Orient Road Jail, with bail set at $31,500.

"After she posted bond, detectives found new information and she was rearrested," police spokeswoman Janelle McGregor said.

Alvarez told police she was involved in the crimes but refused to name her accomplices, the police report said.

More arrests are expected.

Alvarez enlisted in the National Guard as a supply technician but has yet to report to training, Maj. Bryan Blaney said. After being informed about Alvarez's arrest, Blaney said he was going to inform her unit commander.

Editor Howard Altman can be reached at (813) 259-7629.

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