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Video Shows Suspected St. Pete Burglar

By The Tampa Tribune | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 9, 2008

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ST. PETERSBURG -- St. Petersburg police released surveillance video Friday of a man they think has burglarized 13 churches and restaurants in the past two weeks.

The first six burglaries were at businesses and the past seven at churches, police spokesman Bill Proffitt said. In each instance, a rear door was forced open with a pry bar.

Police say the man is white and 20 to 30 years old. He has reddish-blond hair.

While robbing the Park Street Baptist Church of its petty cash and personal checks, the man was confronted by the pastor, said Josh Waugh, a minister at the church. The burglar apologized, said he needed the money and ran away.

Sgt. Tim Montanari said any burglary is significant but that "houses of worship are special and people should feel safe there."

Police have two videos of the man. One is from inside Don Fernando's restaurant at 2805 38th Ave. N. on April 28. The other is of the man riding a bicycle to Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses at 1695 42nd Ave. N. on Wednesday.

He is seen prying open the rear door and running when an alarm sounds, Proffitt said.

Anyone with information may call police at (727) 893-7780. To remain anonymous, call (727) 892-5000.

Here are the places and dates of the burglaries they think the man committed:

April 28: Don Fernando's, 2805 38th Ave. N.

April 29: Verona Pizza, 2325 28th St. N.

April 29: Phnom Penh Oriental Market and Video, 2333 28th St. N.

April 29: Merita Bakery Outlet, 2311 28th St. N.

April 29: Dooley's Bar, 2329 28th St. N.

May 1: Tyrone Restaurant, 7815 38th Ave. N.

May 1: Pasadena Community Church School, 227 70th St. S.

May 3: Park Street Baptist Church, 3901 Park St. N.

May 4: Maranatha Baptist Church, 1901 32nd Ave. N.