Crime & Safety

Lawn Service Worker Busted for Grass, Stealing From Homeowner

The suspect tried to get away in his truck with a trailer attached, but deputies quickly spotted his vehicle.

A Bradenton man's 911 call after finding a lawn service technician inside his house stealing items led to the suspect's arrest on burglary and marijuana possession charges, investigators said.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Jeffrey Charles Gabbard Jr. jumped into his truck with the trailer attached and tried to speed off, when homeowner Robert Zohlmann confronted him.

Zohlmann called 911 to come to the 4400 block of 123rd St. West before the suspect could escape.

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Gabbard's vehicle was spotted in the 7500 block of Manatee Ave. West, and a deputy conducted a felony takedown at 240 East 47th St.

Gabbard's vehicle was searched and in addition to the items stolen from Zohlmann's residence deputies also confiscated 100 grams of marijuana, an unmarked bottle of Xanax and a drug pipe.

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The pot was packaged for sale according to the arrest report. Gabbard, who is no stranger to law enforcement, was also charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Gabbard, 23, has a record that includes battery, aggravated battery and leaving the scene of a crash charges.

He was booked into the Manatee County Jail where he is being held without bond pending his first appearance before a judge.


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