SALVATION ARMY KETTLE THEFT

THE SALVATION ARMY REPORTS THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SARASOTA’S HISTORY SOMEONE HAS STOLEN A KETTLE FROM A BELL RINGER.  ESTIMATES ARE THAT THERE WAS BETWEEN $200 AND $300 IN IT.  THE THEFT HAPPENED AT THE PUBLIX AT BENEVA ROAD AND BEE RIDGE IN SARASOTA.  BELL RINGER MELISSA SMITH SAYS SHE THOUGHT SOMEONE WAS PUTTING MONEY IN THE BUCKET, BUT AFTER TAKING A CLOSER LOOK, THE MAN WAS ALREADY FACING THE OTHER WAY AND TOOK OFF RUNNING.  SEVERAL CITIZENS TOOK OFF IN PURSUIT, AND ONE LADY ALMOST CAUGHT THE THIEF. A WITNESS GOT A GOOD LOOK AND SAYS HE’S A YOUNG MAN BETWEEN 18 AND 20 YEARS OLD, WEARING A GRAY HOODIE.  THE MAN TOOK OFF IN A LATE MODEL WHITE NISSAN MAXIMA. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION, CALL THE SARASOTA COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS AT 366-TIPS.