[PHOTO CREDIT: Mount Dora Police Department]
[Original Publish Date: 01/02/20]
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MOUNT DORA, Florida — Mount Dora Police Department has released photos of a person of interest in the rash of smash-and-grab vehicle burglaries at several hotels across Lake County Tuesday morning.
Thieves hit several hotel parking lots in cities along the U.S. Highway 441 corridor, including Tavares, Leesburg and Mount Dora, Tavares Police Sergeant Sarah Coursey told Lake Legal News Tuesday. Dozens of vehicle windows were smashed.
In Tavares, shortly before 3:30 a.m., Tuesday thieves targeted Comfort Inn & Suites, 1380 East Burleigh Boulevard, Tavares. The hotel is located across the street from AdventHealth Waterman. Initially, hotel staff believed five cars were broken into, but Tavares Police found 13 more upon arrival, Coursey said.
One cell phone was stolen and it was tracked to Hampton Inn Mount Dora, 19700 U.S. Highway 441, where more break-ins occurred, Coursey said.
Taken from Hampton Inn Mount Dora’s video surveillance, the newly-released still shots show the same man standing very close to a white vehicle with his hand near a window. Police believe there are additional suspects, other than the man in the video, Mount Dora Deputy Police Chief Michael Fewless said.
Coursey said, in the past, incidents similar to this have been linked to gang activity, likely initiations into gangs in the Orlando area.
There have been smash-and-grabs in multiple locations across Central Florida and law enforcement agencies are working together to see if the cases are connected.
If you know the suspect’s identity or have information on any of the incidents, call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477.)
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Our Editor-in-Chief, Marilyn M. Aciego, began writing for Lake Legal News in 2010. In addition, she has made more than two dozen appearances on live national television, including Nancy Grace and the Greta Van Susteren show, along with her appearance on Evil Twins. Contact her with breaking news, tips, and feedback by sending an e-mail to 352Tips@gmail.com. You can also contact us on our Facebook page — and make sure you “Like” and “Follow us” there. [PHOTO CREDIT: Bonnie Whicher]
