Laptops Stolen from Boca Ciega High School

About 5 a.m. June 21, two Gulfport Police officers tried stopping a man on a bicycle with improper lighting near the 5000 block of 17th Avenue South. When officers pulled up, the bicyclist stopped but then took off. Officers chased him and shot a Taser but missed. The man then dropped the bike and several bags and ran south of 18th Avenue and 48th Street South. Officials could not locate the man, and no arrests have been made. The man is described as black and in his 30s.

Officials found two laptop computers and computer equipment including keyboards, speakers and a mouse. The equipment was traced back to Boca Ciega High School. 

"Anytime there's a theft from a school, it's taking from the kids, and it hurts our children," Principal Michael Vigue said.

Vigue is glad the property was recovered, but one laptop is still missing after a burglary. He said someone stole a laptop about three weeks ago from the school.

Vigue said the school has taken extra precaution since the burglaries, hiring an evening security guard. "I doubt we'll be broken into this summer," he said.

When asked if he thinks teens or kids are breaking in because school is out, he said, "I don't assume; I think it's sterotypical. Unless I see a student, I don't assume."

Anyone with information is asked to call the  at 727-893-1030.