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Florida man goes on smash-and-grab burglary spree at St. Pete Publix: Police

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Published  January 9, 2025 10:51am EST
St. Petersburg
FOX 13 News

The Brief

    • St. Petersburg police arrested a suspect accused in a string of smash-and-grab burglaries throughout the city.
    • Police say Cory Kendrick was seen on video smashing 11 vehicles at a St. Pete Publix and stealing items from inside.
    • Police believe Kendrick may be responsible for other crimes and more charges may be coming.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A burglary suspect is behind bars after police say he went on a smash-and-grab spree throughout St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg police say Cory Kendrick is responsible for a series of smash-and-grab burglaries between Jan. 2–5, 2025.

According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, surveillance video shows Kendrick riding a bicycle through a Publix parking lot located at 1700 34th St. N. on Jan. 4 around 9:45 a.m.

Police say Kendrick can be seen smashing car windows, rummaging through vehicles and taking items. They add that 11 vehicles at that location were damaged. 

READ: Man, woman arrested for squatting in Florida home after neighbor becomes suspicious: SCSO

The next morning, a police officer saw Kendrick riding a bicycle near the 1100 block of Baum Ave. and recognized him from the video. 

The officer said he tried to run away but was captured nearby.

Cory Kendrick mugshot courtesy of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Cory Kendrick mugshot courtesy of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. 

Detectives said they linked Kendrick to several burglaries throughout the area, including five in a dentist's office parking lot at 3238 4th St. N. on Jan. 2.

Police said they also recovered two guns.

Kendrick has been charged with:

  • 11 counts of vehicle burglary
  • 1 count of armed vehicle burglary (stole a firearm)
  • 1 count of credit card fraud
  • 1 count of credit card theft
  • 1 count unlawful possession of a personal ID
  • 1 count of obstruction
  • 1 count carrying a concealed firearm
  • 1 count felon in possession of a firearm

Detectives said Kendrick is a suspect in several other related crimes over the last month.

Additional charges may be forthcoming pending further investigation.

The Source: This story was written with information provided by the St. Petersburg Police Department.

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