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Witnesses Chase Burglary Suspects In Lakeland

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By RAY REYES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 19, 2008

TAMPA - Three people accused of taking items from an unlocked car on Tuesday were chased through downtown Lakeland by people who witnessed the incident until police arrived, authorities said.

Steward Butler, 17, was charged with burglary to a conveyance and grand theft, Lakeland police said. Two other suspects are being still being sought, Lakeland police spokesman Jack Gillen said.

Butler and the unidentified suspects are accused of taking a computer and a cell phone from a car about 3 p.m. Tuesday, police said. When nearby citizens noticed the incident, the suspects fled on foot, Gillen said.

The citizens gave chase until Lakeland police arrived, Gillen said. The items taken from the car were discarded during the chase but later recovered, Gillen said.

Butler was apprehended by K-9 officers on the 700 block of Magnolia Street, about 11 blocks north of where the items from the car was taken, police said.

The incident is still under investigation and additional arrests may be made in the next several days, Gillen said.

Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 259-7920 or rreyes@tampatrib.com.

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