Dog Has Its Day: Winter Haven Police K9 Captures Accused Burglar

WINTER HAVEN, FL – A four-legged members of the Winter Haven Police Department has earned some extra dog treats for the part he played in capturing an accused burglar.

At 5 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, an alarm sounded at Sherman’s Antiques, 1103 6th St. NW, indicating that a rear door of the business had been opened.

When officers arrived, they discovered 42 year-old Gene Frangipane of 308 Farnol St. SW, Winter Haven, at the back door wearing a black mask and holding a screwdriver in one hand and a bag with burglary tools in the other hand.

When Frangipane saw officers, he ran through the alley behind the business.

K9 Officer Alex Collazo released his partner, Miko, and Frangipane was apprehended a short distance away.

A criminal history check uncovered that Frangipane had a warrant from Lake County for failure to appear on a battery charge. He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools, criminal mischief, resisting without violence and wearing a mask in the commission of a felony.

Images via Winter Haven Police

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