Crime & Safety

Bradenton Men Nabbed on Theft Charges After Chase by Sarasota Sheriff's Dept.

The following is a news release from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office: 


The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two people in connection with the theft of lawn equipment from the Sarasota County Technical Institute (SCTI) campus on Beneva Road early [Friday] morning.

Just before 3:00 a.m., members of the Tactical Unit spotted a white Chevrolet Silverado seen on surveillance video from a prior theft and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The truck fled into Manatee County but eventually hit stop sticks and two suspects bailed out. The driver was taken into custody, a second suspect was captured later and a warrant has been obtained for the third man involved. The men admitted stealing two trailers and four commercial grade lawn mowers today from SCTI valued at $45,000.

Sammy Balsinger [47, of Bradenton] is charged with Grand Theft, Aggravated Fleeing to Elude, Driving with a Suspended License and Aggravated Battery on an Officer for intentionally crashing into a deputy’s vehicle. The deputy was not seriously injured.

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Travor Henson [42, of Bradenton] is charged with Grand Theft.

The investigation is continuing and additional charges are pending here and in Manatee County.

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