Burglary Suspect Found Dead In Retention Pond: Bradenton Police

BRADENTON, FL — A burglary suspect hiding from police was found dead in a retention pond Saturday, Bradenton police said in a news release.

Around 4:05 a.m., police responded to reports of vehicle burglaries at the Carlton Arms of Bradenton apartment complex in the 5100 block of Riverside Drive E. Investigating officers found two male suspects hiding on the porch of an apartment and tried to detain them.

Khalil D. Brown, 18, was taken into custody without incident and charged with burglary to an occupied structure, police said.

Taivon J. Saunders, 19, ran from police, jumped a fence and ran down an embankment into a retention pond in the apartment complex. He refused to come out and a short time later, he went under water and didn’t resurface, police said.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office Dive Team found Saunders’ body in the pond. A backpack was also recovered from the water.

The investigation is ongoing and the District 12 Medical Examiner's Office will determine the cause of death, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Carl Jones at 941-932-9334. Tips may also be emailed to BDPTips@BradentonPD.com. To remain anonymous and eligible for a cash reward up to $3,000, call Crime Stoppers at 866-634-8477 or at manateecrimestoppers.com.