Manatee sheriff: Man caught in progress of burglary from Palmetto Sea Hut restaurant

MANATEE -- Deputies caught a man trying to steal from the Sea Hut restaurant in Palmetto early Tuesday, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Ronnie E. Stotz, 35, set off a business alarm while burglaring the Sea Hut, 5611 U.S. 19 N., Palmetto, at 1:46 a.m., according to a release. Deputies arrived on scene and surrounded the business, locating a smashed-out window.

The Sea Hut was formerly Crab Trap I.

Stotz exited from a door of the business, unknowingly right into the presence of law enforcement, and was immediately arrested, deputies said.

The cash register found outside the business was returned to the owner when he arrived.

Stotz also had charges for "dozens" of unrelated warrants.

This story was originally published November 3, 2015 at 7:25 AM with the headline "Manatee sheriff: Man caught in progress of burglary from Palmetto Sea Hut restaurant ."