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Theft Of Fire Extinguisher Could Bring 5-Year Sentence

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By VALERIE KALFRIN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 27, 2008

TAMPA - Two men accused of swiping a fire extinguisher from a 2000 Honda convertible could be sentenced to five years in prison if convicted of the theft, records show.

Stealing a fire extinguisher is a third-degree felony under state statutes and punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine up to $5,000 or both.

According to authorities' affidavits, Daniel Mesa, 20, and Richard Barreiro, 19, both of Tampa, sliced open the top of the convertible about 12:50 a.m. Tuesday at 9105 W. Hillsborough Ave.

Working with two juveniles, who were not identified, the men removed two seats valued at more than $10,000, a radar detector, $500 worth of compact discs and a fire extinguisher, the affidavits state.

Authorities say someone witnessed the robbery.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office made the arrests about 1 a.m. about a block away and recovered the property, affidavits state.

Because of their probation status, Mesa and Barreiro were being held without bail at Orient Road Jail. In addition to the fire extinguisher offense, both are charged with felony burglary, felony criminal mischief and felony grand theft, jail records state.

Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800 or vkalfrin@tampatrib.com.

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