SANFORD, Fla. — Sanford police arrested five people Tuesday afternoon after an officer said he saw them burglarizing storage units at an apartment complex.
An officer was conducting a patrol near the Westlake Apartments at 3 p.m. because of an increase in reported vehicle and residential burglaries. He said he saw five males, acting suspiciously, entering the downstairs hallway of one of the building.
The officer said the men tried to flee when he tried to make contact with them, but three, later identified as Jahiem Pringle, Jaquan Woodard and Kendall Kennon, were immediately detained.
Officials said the other two suspects, who were identified as Eugene Bouie and Andre Mack, were found a short distance from the scene with the help of Seminole County deputies.
Officers said a .380-caliber semi-automatic handgun was found in Kennon’s pants pocket.
Investigators said several of the storage units had been burglarized and damaged. Officers said the items used to break into the units were found on the suspects.
Investigators said the suspects intended to steal residents' bicycles. %
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“As school is out for the summer, an increase in property crimes is likely to occur. Keep your belongings secured both around your home and in your vehicle,” Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith said. “If you observe anything suspicious, no matter the time of day, contact the police department. We need to send the message to criminals that the entire community is watching and crime will not be tolerated.”
Bouie, Mack, Woodard and Pringle were charged with unarmed burglary of a structure. Bouie and Mack were also charged with resisting an officer without violence. Mack was also charged with possession of burglary tools with intent to use and violating his probation.
Kennon was charged with armed burglary of a structure, a weapons offense by a person under 18 years old, unlawful possession of a firearm, violating his probation and failure to appear.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.