HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a man believed to be responsible for a rash of business burglaries that occurred over the weekend and into early this week.
On Saturday, December 19, 2020, between approximately 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., an unknown suspect smashed the front glass door of the Taste of China restaurant located at 8476 Sheldon Road in Town ‘N’ Country. Deputies discovered dollar bills strewn across the floor and hundreds of dollars missing from the cash register.
On Monday, December 21, 2020, just before 2:00 a.m., The Keystone Cafe, located at 8741 Gunn Highway in Odessa, was also burglarized. The front glass door was shattered, and once inside, deputies saw toothpicks scattered across the floor and determined cash had been stolen. Based on preliminary estimates, damage to the business is calculated at approximately $700.
Shortly after, at approximately 3:00 a.m., deputies were dispatched to Bahama Bucks, located at 8527 Gunn Highway in Odessa, where the front glass door had also been shattered, and an unknown suspect had gained entry. After further investigation, the business owner advised nothing was taken. Surveillance video captured the unknown suspect running toward the south side of the property. Deputies canvassed the wooded area and found a cash register belonging to the The Keystone Cafe.
Approximately an hour later, just after 4:00 a.m., deputies responded to the New China restaurant, at 17625 Gunn Highway, where the front glass door had also been shattered. The unknown suspect stole several rolls of coins from the cash register.
Detectives believe the unknown suspect, a white or Hispanic male, with white hair, is traveling in a maroon 2003-2008 Chevrolet Colorado, with tinted windows, and window rain guards.
“We are asking the community to please review the surveillance video and keep an eye out for this thief, who is targeting our local businesses, and not just stealing hard-earned money, but also causing significant damage,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This has been an especially challenging year, and our business owners have struggled enough as it is to stay afloat.
Detectives are actively trying to identify this man and ask that anyone with information please call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.”
In order to be eligible for a cash reward up to $5,000, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477), report anonymously online at www.crimestopperstb.com or send a mobile tip using our P3 Tips Mobile application, which is a free download for all cell phones. You must call Crime Stoppers first to be eligible for a reward.