How To React If You Encounter A Suspicious Vehicle

Burglary Residence
July 20, 9:12 a.m.
8600 block of Oleander Drive
Two unknown subjects kicked in the front door of the home and attempted to steal a flat screen TV. The burglars were interrupted when the resident came home.

The homeowner found a suspicious vehicle in her driveway. It was a white Chrysler Concord.

She called her husband, who told her to use her vehicle to block the suspicious car. She did, and then called 911.

The thieves were able to maneuver their car and flee the area. They were last seen heading east on Fowler Avenue toward I-75.

The robbers are described as black males, 20 to 30 years old, 5-foot-9, 170 to 190 pounds. One was wearing a black hat, black T-shirt and black shorts. The other was wearing a red T-shirt and black shorts.

Officer Tracy Mishler, , said he would never criticize a victim’s reaction because everyone reacts differently when confronted with this type of situation.

“But I do have some recommendations that are for educational purposes in the event that you might encounter a similar type scenario,” he said.

If you see a suspicious vehicle in your driveway, he said, there is a possibility that a crime is occurring in your home.

• Don’t stop at your home.
• Do drive by and get the license tag number of the suspicious vehicle if you are able to. Park somewhere down the street and observe.
• Don’t place yourself in danger by trying to block in a criminal’s vehicle because it usually does not work.
• Do immediately call 911 or 813-989-7110 if you are using a cell phone. Keep the Police Communications operator updated on what you observe.

“Safety comes first,” Mishler said. “Losing a TV or items from your home is not worth placing yourself in harm’s way.”

Burglary Residence
July 25, 8:45 a.m. to 6:50 p.m.
200 block of Druid Hills Road
Unknown subjects opened a closed but not locked rear chain link fence and took two dogs: a gray 45-pound pit bull and a tan 45-pound Shar-Pei. They also took two bicycles: a girl’s red, 26-inch Schwinn Beach Cruiser and a men’s black Schwinn that looks like a customized motorcycle.

Burglary Residence
July 26, 6:43 a.m.
6600 block of Jennifer Drive
The victim took out the garbage, came back to the open garage and observed a thief taking a bicycle from the garage. The victim immediately called the police department.

The suspect, Gregory Perez, dropped the bike when he discovered it had two flat tires. He jumped the wall of the neighborhood and ran into the River Landings Condos subdivision. There, he jumped more walls.

Officers responding to the call set up a perimeter and were able to find and arrest Perez, who was on probation.

Burglary Auto
July 26, 11:16 p.m.
, 6610 Whiteway Drive
Witnesses heard the car alarm of their aunt’s red VW convertible activated and looked over to the vehicle. They observed a subject inside the car and yelled at the suspect who fled on foot.

The victims immediately notified the police department.

A Temple Terrace K-9 unit found the suspect, Christopher Sorter, near Whiteway Drive and Montrose Avenue. The officer warned Sorter to stop or he would let the dog loose. Sorter chose to surrender.