Raynaldo Garcia arrested for a series of burglaries in Tampa

• Raynaldo García was arrested for burglary.
• Police announced a successful operation.
• He faces 19 criminal charges.

Police surveillance resulted the arrest of the main suspect in a series of burglaries at several businesses in East Tampa.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister shared details in a press release.

«Choosing a life of crime inevitably leads to a path of consequences, and attempting to evade arrest only compounds those consequences.»

The arrest was carried out in a joint effort by officers from District 2 and District 5 of the Hillsborough Police Department.

Raynaldo García was arrested

«[A] criminal responsible for a string of business burglaries and thefts has been arrested in the East Tampa area,» the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced on Facebook.

Communities had been complaining to authorities about the burglaries for a few days and gave police a physical description of the suspect.

«On Thursday, January 5, 2024, deputies conducted surveillance, successfully located Raynaldo Garcia, 43, and attempted to conduct a traffic stop,» the statement continues.

«Despite his attempt to flee, deputies were able to perform a strategic roadblock on the I-4 entrance ramp from 50th Street, leading to an arrest.»

Police made a surprising discovery

After verifying his identity, officers confirmed that Garcia was the suspect in the burglaries, arrested him and proceeded to search his vehicle.

Officers were surprised to discover «a bag of fentanyl» inside the car, according to the arrest report.

Subsequently, police proceeded transported the suspect to the police department.

They carefully collected evidence of Garcia’s crimes.

He thought he could get away with it

«Garcia thought he could get away and continue his crime spree, underestimating our deputies’ resolve,» the Sheriff said on Facebook.

He now faces 19 criminal charges, which include burglary, operating a chop shop and resisting arrest.

The Sheriff highlighted the work done by the officials: «Our deputies are committed to community safety.»

Garcia remains in police custody and has not yet been granted bail. He is waiting to appear before a judge.