Man Stole Scrap Metal From Manatee Business, Deputies Say

A man is accused of stealing scrap metal from a Manatee County business and hauling it away in his truck late Tuesday night, authorities said.

A deputy saw the suspect, 47-year-old Merle Wilkinson, leaving fiberglass manufacturer Marine Concepts, 1600 Whitfield Ave., shortly before midnight with scrap metal loaded in the back of his red and white GMC truck.

Since "numerous burglaries" had been reported in the area, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the deputy pulled Wilkinson over at 6500 15th Street East. Wilkinson said he had permission to take the scrap from the business' Dumpsters by an employee "whose name he does not know," the deputy said.

Wilkinson also said the scrap metal came from his storage unit and had been there all day, according to the sheriff's report.

Deputies went inside the business complex and found matching scrap metal in one of the warehouses. Tire tracks matching the tires on Wilkinson's truck were found on the floor of the warehouse. In addition, the truck was leaking oil, and several large, fresh oil spots were found near the tire tracks, deputies said.

A Marine Concepts employee identified the scrap metal in the back of Wilkinson's truck as belonging to the business and said that no one had permission to take anything.

Wilkinson was charged with burglary and grand theft.

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