November 14, 2012
“Police and Citizens Catch Thieves in the Act”
The Fort Myers Police Department arrested three burglary suspects over the past several days with help from citizens calling to report the crimes in progress.
On Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 10:45 a.m. the FMPD Charlie Shift responded to a residential burglary in progress onSouth Street. A neighbor heard glass break and then saw the suspect emerge from the home. While calling police the neighbor confronted the suspect and ran after him as he fled the scene. Officer Chris Scavo joined in the foot pursuit and caught the suspect nearEdison AvenueandHeitman Street. In addition, police recovered jewelry stolen from the home. Police arrested Rafael Rodriguez (d.o.b. 3-27-65 ofFort Myers) for burglary, grand theft and resisting arrest.
On Monday, November 12, 2012 at 2:14 a.m. the FMPD Delta Shift responded to a burglary in progress onMcCormick Street. The complainant provided a detailed description of the suspect breaking into a car. Officer Jonathan Clausnitzer spotted the suspect and with assistance from Officer Ezra Padgham took the suspect into custody. Police arrested Gilberto Sanchez-Mojica (d.o.b. 9-18-85 ofFort Myers) for burglary and petit theft.
On Monday, November 12, 2012 at 11:55 p.m. the FMPD Bravo Shift responded to a burglary in progress in the area of Lillie and Blount Streets. The caller gave a detailed description of the suspect rummaging through her neighbor’s car. Sgt. Glenn Thompson and Officer Timothy McCormick were first on scene and detained the suspect walking south onLillie Street. Police arrested Zachary Matthews (d.o.b. 3-17-92 ofFort Myers) for burglary.
Police Chief Doug Baker reminds all residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. “I want to thank the citizens for their involvement. The police department is only as successful as the community allows us to be. Our efforts to make our City safe and put criminals in jail go hand in hand and we need more people to take an active role.” Police offer the following tips:
- Lock your doors and windows and use your alarm system if you have one.
- Secure your vehicle and don’t leave valuables in your car.
- Call police and report suspicious vehicles or people in your neighborhood.
- Take the time to note the make, model, color and tag number of suspicious vehicles. Note the physical descriptions of suspicious people or solicitors.
- Call and report any people soliciting door-to-door for sales or services (City ordinance 18-363 requires that solicitors have a license).
- Keep a close watch on your neighbors’ homes while they are away.
- Don’t be afraid of being wrong about whether or not someone has a legitimate purpose for being in the community. Call police even for a gut feeling or a hunch.