Cops: Man Used Bike to Steal Lawnmower

A man stole a lawnmower from a Sarasota home over the weekend and used a bicycle as a getaway vehicle, police said.

A neighbor spotted Michael Scott Barwick, 53, entering the carport of a home in the 5000 block of Stevens Drive around 2:21 p.m. Sunday, according to Sarasota Police.

A few minutes later, the neighbor said he saw Barwick pushing a lawnmower, tying it to a string on his bicycle and riding away. 

Officers caught up with Barwick on Tamiami Trail and brought him back to the home, where the homeowner told police he had not given Barwick permission to enter his property and take the lawnmower.

Barwick, who resides on Kumquat Court in Sarasota, was arrested and charged with felony burglary.

“This is an excellent example of the public and police department working hand in hand to solve crimes," said Capt. Patrick Robinson, commander of the Bureau of Patrol Operations for Sarasota Police, in a news release. "It’s a good reminder if you see something, say something.”