Suspected serial burglar apprehended in Manatee County

Lina Portman2 days ago

0 1 minute read

BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) – Manatee County deputies say they have apprehended a Bradenton man who burglarized five businesses.

Authorities say detectives charged Leslie S. Guthrie, 53, with five counts of burglary of an unoccupied structure after linking him to several burglaries along Cortez Road and State Road 64 East.

On June 26, investigators began investigating similar crimes when an unknown man entered Judy's Restaurant And American lock and key in the 9500 block of Cortez Rd W, walking away with several hundred dollars.

The next morning, deputies responded to another burglary in Puppy in a bathtub where someone had entered through the front door and tampered with the cash register. As deputies investigated the scene, they learned that the Mez Comics and Games had been robbed using the same modus operandi. This time, surveillance cameras captured the suspect inside the store, and Leslie Guthrie was identified as a suspect in several cases.

On June 29, 2024, a group of police officers used investigative techniques to track Guthrie to a plaza in the 2800 block of SR 64 E, where he was observed surveilling businesses. Shortly after 2 a.m., an audible alarm sounded from 2852 SR 64 E, and visible damage was noted to the business. Detectives followed Guthrie to a nearby motel and arrested him without incident.

Various pieces of evidence were collected from Guthrie's vehicle and his hotel room. Video was also obtained from the hotel showing him inside wearing the same clothing he was wearing when he was arrested.

Guthrie is suspected of committing other burglaries in Manatee County, and additional charges are expected. The investigation is ongoing.