Crime & Safety

Man Charged with Robbing Area Hotels

A man was arrested Tuesday in connection with two robberies at area hospitals, according to the Sarasota Police Department.

Joseph Serrano, 22, 4800 block of Bradenton Road,Sarasota, has been charged with two counts of armed robbery , two counts of possession of a convicted felon and aggravated battery with a firearm in connection to at least two hotel armed robberies in September.

On September 18 at 10:17 p.m., officers say Serrano walked into the lobby of the Golden Host Hotel, located at 4675 North Tamiami Trail, armed with a handgun, according to a report. Serrano pointed the handgun a hotel clerk, demanded money, emptied the man's pockets and punched him in the stomach before fleeing, the report said.


On September 25, at 12:52 a.m., officers say Serrano walked into the Marriot Residence Inn, located at 1040 University Parkway, armed with a handgun, a report said.  Serrano approached a hotel clerk and demanded money, according to the report. The victim refused, tried to grab the gun and Serrano hit the victim in the head with the gun before taking money and fleeing, a report said.

Later on September 25, at around 2:39 p.m., officers responded to Hyatt Place Hotel, located at 950 University Parkway, in reference a suspicious person, the report said. Hotel employees told officers a male matched the robbery suspect’s description and he was sitting in the lobby, according to the report. He was not registered as a guest. Serrano’s physical build and clothing matched the video surveillance from the Golden Host Hotel, a report said.

Serrano was taken to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office where he is being held without bond. 


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