Video shows someone with a limp using stolen company van to steal even more equipment, cops say

A suspect with a “distinctive limp” who stole two company vehicles and more than $31,000 worth of tools and equipment from both businesses is wanted by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, deputies say.

On Saturday, a hooded suspect robbed two businesses and stole two vehicles containing valuable equipment. Deputies first responded to Steel Products, Inc., 1821 Myrtle St., around 8:30 p.m. after a caller reported a burglary.

According to a release, the owner of the business confirmed that a white 1997 GMC flat-bed truck had been stolen, along with $30,000 in welding equipment. A surveillance video depicts the suspect arriving at Steel Products, Inc. around 7 p.m. The suspect used a Waterproofing Contractors van as a battering ram, reversing the vehicle into the door to force it open.

Though the suspect used the stolen van to enter the business, they left in the white flat-bed. Deputies alerted Waterproofing Contractors, 4475 Northgate Court, that they had recovered the business’ stolen vehicle and learned that two of the company’s van had been broken into. The business also reported that $1,000 worth of tools was missing, the sheriff’s office said.

Detectives located the stolen flat-bed, which had been stripped of its equipment, at the intersection of 22nd Street and North Lemon Ave.

The sheriff’s office is looking for tips from the public in order to solve this case. Anyone with information related to the crimes can call the sheriff’s office at (941) 861-4900. They may leave anonymous tips with the Crime Stoppers of Sarasota County by calling (941) 366-TIPS or by visiting www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.

This story was originally published November 15, 2017 at 11:37 AM with the headline "Video shows someone with a limp using stolen company van to steal even more equipment, cops say."