Crime & Safety

Stabbing, Strong-Armed Robbery Occur in Sarasota Parks

One of the cases led to an arrest; the other did not.

This story was reported and written by Patch Local Editor Merab Favorite.

Two separate incidents, a stabbing and a strong-armed robbery, occurred at Sarasota parks within a week of each other, according to authorities.

One of those cases led to an arrest, the other did not.

Find out what's happening in Sarasotawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On July 7, a man at Siesta Public Beach Park called the Sarasota County Police Department and told them he had been stabbed. He reportedly suffered very minor injuries.

Three days before, on July 4, a 49-year-old man was arrested for allegedly using force to take a bicycle from two teens at Payne Park, according to the Sarasota Police Department.

Find out what's happening in Sarasotawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Luther Douglas, of the 3800 block of Buckeye Circle, was charged with robbery by sudden snatching after the victims said he threatened to beat them and “mow their (explicative) down,” which apparently meant he would shoot them, according to the report.

Wendy Rose, spokesperson for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, said the number of park related incidents in Sarasota is “not significant.” She said sheriff's deputies patrol all county parks on a regular basis and amp up their presence during special events and holiday weekends.

While the stabbing incident is still open, SPD officers were able to locate Douglas, who they found riding the bike he had allegedly stolen. The found him based on a statement from his ex-wife, who said she witnessed the robbery and hung around park waiting for police arrived.

Douglas was arrested near Pompano Road and Fruitville Road and taken to Sarasota County Jail.

Rose said many of the park-related incidents that occur are alcohol related.

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