Police dog nabs burglary suspect after chase in Bradenton
A Manatee sheriff’s police dog put an end to a burglar’s crime spree after a vehicle pursuit ended with a crash on State Road 64 East, the sheriff’s office said.
Deputies say Miguel Ayala, 55, is a serial burglar wanted in connection with multiple burglaries in several different jurisdictions from Treasure Island to Venice.
Video captured his arrest Thursday after he crashed his vehicle, jumped out and ran into a wooded area near the 4300 block of State Road 64 East.
Deputies say Ayala had been seen driving across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge by a Manatee County deputy. The deputy did not realize at the time that Ayala was returning from Treasure Island after committing a burglary, according to the sheriff’s office.
A traffic stop was attempted, but Ayala fled. Ground units backed off and the sheriff’s office aviation unit began to track Ayala. Deputies deployed stop sticks near Interstate 75 and State Road 64, flattening both passenger side tires.
Deputies say Ayala continued to drive, but he eventually lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the woods near 43rd Boulevard East. Ayala ran deeper into the woods with deputies, including a K9 unit, giving chase. The dog engaged Ayala while he tried to hide in heavy brush.
Ayala suffered minor dog bites and was treated at a nearby hospital before being ken to the Manatee County jail on multiple burglary charges, as well as charges stemming from his attempt to elude law enforcement.
This story was originally published October 2, 2020 at 12:15 PM.