The following article was in yesterday's Daily Sun:
Sumter burglary suspects sought
By KATIE TAMMEN, DAILY SUN
BUSHNELL — Sheriff’s investigators are turning to the public for help in capturing a person believed to be responsible for at least 13 reported burglaries in Sumter County between Aug. 31 and Oct. 3.
On Thursday, sheriff’s officials released suspect and vehicle descriptions, and indicated the burglar may have had two accomplices, in hopes it would help lead to clues to solving the
burglaries.
According to Sheriff Bill Farmer, those 13 burglaries occurred in the north end of Sumter County. Four of them occurred in the Sumter County portion of The Villages, as previously reported in The Villages Daily Sun. Six of the 13 burglaries happened in the Parkwood Community of Wildwood, including two Wednesday night, said Wildwood Police Capt. Edward Reeser. Three burglaries also were investigated in Continental Country Club in Sumter County, east of Wildwood on State Road 44, said Sumter County Sheriff’s Capt. Gary Brannen.
Authorities are searching for a 6-foot, 1-inch, clean-shaven black male who weighs between 180 and 200 pounds.
The suspect is believed to drive a red pickup with a black utility cover, Farmer said in a press conference Thursday afternoon.
Authorities believe the suspect enters homes through unlocked windows and doors and is “in and out really quick,” Farmer said.
“This is a burglar who will enter a home when people are home,” he said.
Most of the burglaries have occurred in the early evening and the suspect usually takes small items such as a purse or wallet, Farmer said.
While there haven’t yet been encounters between homeowners and the suspect, Farmer warned residents not to confront the suspect if they see him, but to leave their home immediately and call 911.
Law enforcement officers believe the suspect drives through neighborhoods during the day before breaking in that night, Farmer said.
This suspect, Brannen said, does not seem to care if he is seen, so residents who spot a person who fits the suspect’s description either cruising the street during the day or walking down the street at night should contact law enforcement immediately.
Authorities also are looking for two females who may be accomplices to the suspect, Farmer said.
These two women have used the credit cards stolen at the homes at fast food restaurants, gas stations and convenience stores between Sumter County and Gainesville, he said.
“What we really want to do is identify the females,” Brannen said. “It’s really in the community’s hands right now. Somebody knows who they are.”
Brannen also encouraged residents to take proactive measures to safeguard their homes against these burglaries, including locking all doors, installing security systems and motion-sensor lights.
Anyone with information in this case should contact the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at 793-0222 or Crimeline at (800) 423-TIPS.
Katie Tammen is a writer with the Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753 -1119, ext. 9264, or
katie.tammen@thevillagesmedia.com.