Bradenton burglar caught hiding in man’s swimming pool, cops say. Nearby was an AR-15

A 38-year-old Bradenton man released from prison in December and wanted on six warrants was found hiding in a man’s swimming pool around 3 a.m. on April 2 after he committed several burglaries, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Philip Jackson faces an armed burglary charge and two counts of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. Deputies say more charges are possible, as Jackson is suspected in multiple burglaries in the area of 21st Court East where he was arrested.

Deputies had been searching for Jackson since early March after they obtained warrants charging him with fraudulent use of an ID and credit card fraud.

Jackson was spotted in the 4900 block of 21st Court East hiding in the shadows and ran when the deputy stopped near his hiding spot. A K9 unit tracked him to an enclosed backyard with a screened in patio and found him hiding in the pool, according to the arrest report.

Deputies say Jackson cut the screen to gain entry and found an AR-15 along with a bag behind a nearby barbecue grill. Inside the bag was a Glock .40-caliber handgun along with Jackson’s Florida ID and Social Security card.

Deputies determined both guns had been recently stolen out of a vehicle in the 1900 block of 55th Avenue East, which is not far from where Jackson was arrested.

Deputies also found 12.4 grams of methamphetamine inside the bag with Jackson’s ID information. Jackson was sentenced to prison in April of 2017, serving about two and a half years on a four-year sentence after being convicted on five counts of burglary.

Jackson was booked into the Manatee County jail on the new burglary and weapons charges and additionally charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. He is being held without bond.

Jackson “remains a suspect in multiple crimes in the area,” am arrest report states. “An investigation is ongoing.”