Car Break-In Serves As Reminder to Lock Doors

An alert witness caught a man breaking into a car this morning in Sarasota and authorities are reminding people to lock their doors to avoid becoming a victim of break-ins.

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office arrested Stephen A. Brewster, 32, of 7859 Holiday Drive, Sarasota, after a witness caught him breaking into a car early this morning.

As Brewster ran from the crime location, 5136 Camus Street, the victim called 9-1-1 and the witness followed him in his truck, according to the sheriff's office. Deputies spotted Brewster running east across Honore Avenue to the Target parking lot and took him into custody.

The victim told the sheriff's deputy that though items were scattered and moved in her car, nothing appeared to be stolen.

Brewster has been arrested 40 times, primarily for burglary, forgery and use of stolen credit cards, according to the sheriff's office. He was released from prison last year and was still on felony probation at the time of his arrest.