Crime & Safety
2 Arrested In String Of FL Auto Thefts, Burglaries
Two men were arrested in connection with a string of auto thefts and burglaries in Tampa and across Pinellas County, police said.
TAMPA, FL — Two men were arrested in connection with a string of auto thefts and burglaries in Tampa and across Pinellas County, authorities said.
Joshua Connor Murdock, 30, and Aaron Alderman, 37, were taken into control after being accused of entering numerous vehicles and stealing various items, Tampa police said in a news release.
Murdock was caught on surveillance video footage on two separate occasions using stolen credit cards.
Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Officers saw them in a car with an unregistered tag in the rear parking lot of a hotel in the 4300 block of W. Spruce Street while patrolling the area on Tuesday, police said.
When officers tried to detain them, Murdock violently resisted arrest, hitting an officer in the chest with his elbow, police said. Both were ultimately arrested.
Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A check on the car confirmed that it was stolen.
During a search of Murdock’s backpack, officers found a loaded, stolen gun. Investigators found that Murdock, a convicted felon, also had methamphetamine. Stolen license plates and other stolen items were taken in the car.
See Also:
- Teen Brothers Injured After Shooting Leads To Traffic Crash In South St. Pete: Police
- Arrest Made In Fatal July 4 Hit-And-Run Crash In Tampa Area: Hillsborough County Sheriff
- Driver Charged With DUI Manslaughter In Bradenton Crash With Motorcyclist: Police
- Multiple July 4 Fireworks Injuries, Fires Reported: Hillsborough County Fire Rescue
- St. Pete Man Ran $1.2M Fraud Scheme From FL Prison: U.S. DOJ
Murdock was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, carrying a concealed firearm, felon in possession of a firearm (two counts), armed burglary of a conveyance (two counts), grand theft of firearm (two counts), grand theft auto (two counts), grand theft, burglary of an unoccupied conveyance (five counts), petit theft, criminal mischief, possession of a controlled substance-meth, possession of dr.ug paraphernalia, fraudulent use of credit card, unauthorized use of credit card and possession of a stolen credit card.
Alderman was charged with grand theft auto and burglary of an unoccupied conveyance.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
