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Sarasota Police Warning Residents About Potentially Violent Burglar

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JACKIE BARRON

jbarron@wfla.com

Published: March 10, 2009

SARASOTa - Detectives today went door to door searching for clues and warning neighbors about a burglar on the loose with a history of violence after a weekend home invasion.

The attack happened in the middle of the day Saturday on Bougainvillea Street, west of U.S. 41, in an area known as the Southside Flower District.

Homeowner Don Loos said he was relieved to see police in the area. "Its terrible and it's so unlike the neighborhood," he said of the attack.

The victim, a Sarasota schoolteacher, was pressure-washing her driveway when she stopped to walk into her back yard. The burglar, who already had entered her house through an unlocked door, hit her from behind on the head. The woman, whose name is being withheld for her safety, said the man continued to kick and punch her. Then he ordered her to keep her eyes closed or he would shoot her.

A police report says the burglar told the woman he needed money to buy crack cocaine. He tied her up, stealing thousands of dollars worth of jewelry and a computer. The injured teacher later escaped and ran to the busy intersection of U.S. 41 and Webber Street, where a passing motorist helped her.

Sarasota police consider the burglar an opportunist who is capable of striking again. Lt. Jeff Karr asked people to think about basic security measures, such as closing garage doors, locking windows and locking front and rear doors even when working around the house. "And more importantly you should know your neighbors," Karr said.

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