‘Prolific’ Burglar Broke Into 5 Businesses: Manatee County Sheriff

BRADENTON, FL — A “prolific” burglar faces charges after breaking into five businesses in three days, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Leslie S. Guthrie, 53, was charged with five counts of burglary to an unoccupied structure after investigators connected him to multiple break-ins along Cortez Road and State Road 64 E.

Detectives began investigating similar burglaries on June 26 when an unknown male, later identified as Guthrie, entered Judy's Restaurant and American Lock and Key in the 9500 block of Cortez Rd W, stealing several hundred dollars.

The next morning, deputies responded to another burglary at Pup in a Tub, 8108 Cortez Rd W. where someone had entered through the front door and tampered with the cash register, the sheriff’s office said.

While deputies were investigating that scene, they learned the nearby Mez Comics and Games, 8208 Cortez Rd W., had also been broken into. This time, surveillance cameras captured the suspect inside the store, and Guthrie was developed as a suspect in multiple cases.

Detectives tracked Guthrie to a plaza in the 2800 block of State Road 64 E., where he was seen casing businesses on Saturday, the sheriff’s office said.

Shortly after 2 a.m., an audible alarm came from 2852 State Road 64 E. and visible damage was found at the business. Detectives followed him to a nearby motel and arrested him.

Various items were collected from Guthrie’s vehicle and motel room as evidence, MCSO said. Video was also obtained from the business showing him inside wearing the same clothing he was wearing when he was arrested.

Guthrie is suspected of committing other burglaries in Manatee County, and additional charges are expected.