Suspect arrested in series of burglaries in Manatee County

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BRADENTON, Fla. (WFLA) – A Bradenton man accused of robbing five different stores in three days is now in jail, officials said.

Leslie S. Guthrie, 53, was charged with five counts of burglary, and detectives linked him to several break-ins along Cortez Road W.

The investigation began on July 26^th with an unknown man who had robbed Judy’s Restaurant, the MCSO said. Throughout the day and over the next three days, investigators responded to additional burglaries along Cortez Road.

According to officials, Guthrie stole a total of several hundred dollars from American Lock and Key, Pup in a Tub, Mez Comics and Games and Judy’s Restaurant.

A task force of officers tracked down the suspect in a plaza on Manatee Avenue and arrested him shortly after 2 a.m.

This is an ongoing investigation as Guthrie is suspected of committing additional burglaries in Manatee County and additional charges are expected.