Video shows dramatic K9 capture of Bradenton burglary suspect

A Bradenton burglary suspect thought he escaped a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office pursuit by jumping into Palma Sola Bay, but he had a four-legged surprise waiting for him when he returned to shore, according to video captured by the sheriff’s aviation unit.

Deputies say at about 4:30 a.m. Friday, Robert BonAuito, 34, was spotted tampering with parked vehicles. Deputies, including K9 units, began a search for BonAuito, who had by now abandoned his bicycle and was on foot.

MCSO’s aviation unit spotted BonAuito trying to hide in a backyard in the 7700 block of San Juan Avenue.

K9 units chased BonAuito onto a boat dock off Palma Sola Boulevard where he jumped into the bay. Video shows BonAuito casually strolling back out of the water, apparently not realizing a deputy with a dog was about 30 feet away as he started walking directly toward them.

When BonAuito got within a few feet of the deputy with his K9, video shows BonAuito making another dash for the water. He made it just to the bank before the K9 made a flying leap, latching onto BonAuito. Both splashed into the water.

Deputies took BonAuito into custody from there and he was treated by EMS at the scene for bites on both arms before being transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for further treatment.

Deputies say BonAuito is seen earlier on surveillance video entering someone’s pool cage and a vehicle burglary was confirmed where he was seen tampering with parked cars.

BonAuito was booked into the Manatee County jail on charges of burglary, vehicle burglary, fleeing to elude and obstruction.