TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Burglary Suspect Sought

Image from security camera

After emptying the cash register at Don Fernando's restaurant, the man shook out the tip jar for a little extra loot.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 10, 2008

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, St. Petersburg 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 had 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 police 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.

•May 5: Northwest Church of Christ, 6355 38th Ave. N.

•May 6: Grace Lutheran Church-School, 4301 16th St. N.

•May 6: Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1695 42nd Ave. N.

•May 6: Open Bible Church, 1200 30th Ave. N.

News Channel 8 reporter Natalie Shepherd and Tribune reporter Josh Poltilove contributed to this report.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT