Police and citizens catch thieves in the act

By Barry Miller

CREATED Nov. 14, 2012

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  • Rafael Rodriguez

FORT MYERS, Fla.---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 on South 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 near Edison Avenue and Heitman Street. In addition, police recovered jewelry stolen from the home. Police arrested Rafael Rodriguez 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 on McCormick 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 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 on Lillie Street. Police arrested Zachary Matthews 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.”