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Fake burglary not much of a diversion

 
Published Dec. 31, 2014

CLEARWATER

Police: Man broke into neighbors' condos looking to find some alcohol

A 51-year-old man is accused of reporting a false burglary at his condo to dispel suspicions that he was breaking into his neighbors' homes, police said.

Since November, police believe Patrick James Raher tried breaking into several condos on McMullen-Booth Road by "shouldering" the doors in. He was successful three times, taking Busch beer and tequila, according to arrest affidavits.

Raher also called Clearwater police Dec. 13 to report that someone had kicked in his front door and sifted through his belongings, but nothing was missing.

On the evening of Dec. 25, an officer caught Raher walking between buildings in the shadows and peeking through windows. After being arrested, he admitted that the report of a burglary at his condo was false, affidavits state.

"He thought if he too became a victim," an officer wrote, "detectives would no longer suspect him of committing the other burglaries."

Raher was jailed on charges of burglary, false report of a crime, and prowling.

SEMINOLE

Intoxicated man takes snooze in stranger's car

After having a bit too much to drink early Monday, Brandon Sunter decided to take a nap.

The problem, according to Pinellas deputies: Sunter, 31, fell asleep in the backseat of a stranger's car on Bayou Boardwalk, just south of Park Boulevard, an arrest affidavit states.

"The defendant was unsure how (he) arrived there," a deputy wrote, "and advised he was unaware of who the vehicle belonged to."

Sunter was jailed on a disorderly intoxication charge.

ST. PETERSBURG

Dispute over dog feces ends in arrest

A 65-year-old man was arrested on charges that he hit a neighbor with a shovel, police said.

James Givens was arguing with his neighbor Saturday morning about dog feces in their yards when he grabbed a shovel and hit her, an arrest affidavit shows.

The victim sustained cuts to her head and arm.

Givens was jailed on a charge of aggravated battery.

Compiled by Laura C. Morel, Times staff writer.