Teen Steals Firearms After Backing Stolen SUV Into Gun Shop: SPD

SARASOTA, FL — A 15-year-old from Palmetto backed a stolen vehicle into the side wall of the Bullet Hole Gun Shop in Sarasota Friday morning to gain access to the shop. He stole several firearms before driving away, Sarasota police said in a news release.

The burglary happened in the 300 block of Orange Avenue just before 7:30 a.m., police said.

Police haven’t released the business’ name because it’s protected under Marsy’s Law, Genevieve Judge, Sarasota Police Department’s public information officer, said.

The Bullet Hole, which is located at 330 Orange Avenue, is pictured in crime scene images shared by police, though. In its outgoing voice message, the shop said it was closed Friday because of a morning break-in.

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Tocory Williams, 15, was caught by Sarasota police officers not long after the burglary near the intersection of 17th Street and Orange Avenue after he crashed into a tree.

The vehicle the teenager was driving was reported stolen out of Manatee County around 6 a.m. Friday, police said. He was arrested and brought to the Sarasota County Jail.

Williams faces charges of armed burglary, burglary by using a motor vehicle, burglary causing damage to a structure in excess of $1,000, fleeing to elude, driving without a license, three counts of theft of a firearm and criminal mischief, police said. Additional charges are possible.

The teen was previously arrested in Manatee County on Jan. 4 and charged with armed burglary, 15 counts of theft of a firearm, grand theft and criminal mischief.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Kim Laster at 941-263-6827, leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com