Authorities search via water, air for suspected burglar

Date: February 27, 2013
by: Andrew O'Brien | Associate Editor

(Click “Like” to become a fan of the Palm Coast Observer.)

UPDATE — 12:20 p.m. Feb. 28
A ground, water and aerial search by authorities on Wednesday night for a suspected burglar came up empty, according to officials.

Deputies responded to Newcastle Marine at 5658 N. Oceanshore Blvd., in Palm Coast, around 8:19 p.m. Wednesday in reference to an alarm. Upon arrival, the responding deputy observed flashes of light coming from within the compound.

The deputy requested backup because of previous thefts of scrap metal.

The deputy then advised dispatch that a burglary was possibly in progress, and that he was observing a flashlight from within the business, the report states.

As responding deputies arrived on scene, one deputy observed a subject run northbound at the rear of the compound.

The deputy climbed over the gate and began running toward the northwest side of the business while advising the suspect to stop and that the Sheriff’s Office was on scene. The deputy lost sight of the suspect as he got toward the rear of the compound.

The property was searched and was cleared of any additional subjects. Other Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies searched the area.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission put a boat into the Intracoastal Waterway and also searched. Volusia County Sheriff’s Office’s Air One provided aerial assistant, but all efforts to locate the suspect were unsuccessful.

The owner of the property arrived and was unable to determine if anything was missing from the property. The owner said he would be able to provide the Sheriff’s Office with video surveillance.

ORIGINAL POST — 10:08 p.m. Feb. 27
Authorities are currently searching for a suspected burglar in The Hammock portion of Palm Coast, according to Lt. Bob Weber, public information officer for the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

"They were working a commercial breaking and entering on A1A," Weber confirmed.

The incident occurred at Newcastle Marine, Weber said.

Volusia County Sheriff's Office's Air One flew overhead to assist with the search.

"They thought they had someone fleeing the scene. (They) didn't locate anyone in the area," Weber said.

Authorities are now breaking down the perimeter. The owner is responding to check if entry was made into the building, according to Weber.

This is a developing story.