Accused armed burglar busted after multi-county chase: HCSO
PLANT CITY, Fla. - Hillsborough County deputies say they recovered a stolen gun, wallets, designer handbags, cash and a ripped passport when they captured a man accused of armed burglary.
Hillsborough County deputies say around 12:40 a.m. on January 12, a resident at a home on the 4700 block of Orange Haven Place in Plant City was alerted to someone trespassing on their property.
Deputies say the victim stepped outside and saw someone wearing a ski mask and holding a large bag.
When confronted, deputies said the suspect took off toward a nearby vehicle.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s aviation team was able to spot the suspect’s vehicle speeding into Polk County. The team kept their sights on the suspect and led deputies on the ground to a home on the 5200 block of Wood Thrush Way in Lakeland.
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Deputies worked with the Lakeland Police Department to get a search warrant for the home. That’s where, deputies say they found a stolen firearm, wallets, designer handbags, cash and a ripped passport.

Ervin Michael mugshot courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Ervin Michael, 27, was taken into custody and charged with armed burglary of a conveyance, felony fleeing to elude while wearing a mask, burglary of an unoccupied conveyance while wearing a mask, and grand theft firearm.
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"This arrest exemplifies the dedication and collaboration between our deputies, Aviation Unit, and our partners at Lakeland PD," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Thanks to their quick and coordinated efforts, we were able to arrest this suspect quickly, recover the stolen property, and ensure justice for the victims."
The burglary is still under investigation.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
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