Sarasota Man Charged With String Of Crimes At Area Businesses

SARASOTA, FL — A 46-year-old Sarasota man was charged with a string of crimes at area businesses. All the crimes took place between Nov. 14 and Nov. 30, according to Sarasota police.

Elijah Smith of Chilk Avenue was charged with two counts of burglary and one count of robbery. Businesses that were hit include Wicked Cantina, Pines of Sarasota Thrift Store and the Metro PCS store at 3080 North Washington Blvd.

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The first alleged crime took place around 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 14 at Wicked Cantina in the 1600 block of N. Tamiami Trail. Police were alerted by a burglar alarm.

"When they arrived, officers found broken glass and a smashed window," Sarasota police said. "Video showed a suspect using a large rock to smash the front door. The suspect fled the area with the cash register."

Next, Smith allegedly broke into the Pines of Sarasota Thrift Store at 1501 N. Orange Avenue.

"The suspect was seen on camera using a large rock to smash the glass of the front door and fled the area with leather jackets and several suitcases," Sarasota police explained.

Finally, Smith allegedly robbed the Metro PCS phone store on Nov.30 around 5:30 p.m.

"The victim told officers the suspect entered the store, said someone owed him money and implied he had a gun," according to Sarasota police. "The suspect fled the store with $149 in cash."

Sarasota police said they found Smith at Martin Luther King park.

"He matched the description from the three crimes listed above," police said. Smith was taken to the Sarasota County Jail.

Photo of Elijah Smith courtesy Sarasota Police Department