Welcome to TBO.com. Skip directly to: our Keyword Search, Section Navigation, Content.

TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Highlands Today > News

Naples Man Charged With Burglaries, Theft

COPS: TOOK GOLF CART, SOFT DRINKS

By Joe Seelig | Highlands Today

Published: August 26, 2008

LAKE PLACID - A Naples man remained in Highlands County Jail in lieu of $37,250 bond Tuesday after he was charged in connection with the burglary of two homes, hiding in a boat and theft of a golf cart.

Scott M. MacDonald, 25, of 4180 Golden Gate Blvd., was booked on charges of two counts of burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, burglary of a structure or conveyance, criminal mischief, third-degree theft of a vehicle, petty theft and resisting a law enforcement officer without violence.

According to sheriff's investigators, at 11:49 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 21, deputies were called to the 200 block of Sunset Drive, in Lake Placid, in response to a burglar alarm. It was discovered that someone broke the glass on a garage window and made off with an EZ Go golf cart.

The cart was recovered minutes later down the road, but no arrest was made.

At 7:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22, investigators believe MacDonald entered a second home on Sunset Drive, where he reportedly drank two orange sodas and a bottle of cranberry juice. Investigators reported he entered to get out of the elements.

At about 9:30 a.m. Friday, deputies reported that with the help of Lake Placid Police Department, they tried to apprehend a male, later identified as MacDonald, who ran from them.

He reportedly entered a neighbor's yard on Sunset Terrance and tried to hide in or under a boat covered with a tarp. A neighbor saw MacDonald standing next to the boat and when he saw her, he ran. He was caught by law enforcement officers a short time later.

MacDonald told deputies that he had smoked crack cocaine the night before and "wigged out" before he took the golf cart, deputies reported.

The golf cart reportedly was valued at $3,500.

Joe Seelig can be reached at (863) 386-5834 or jseelig@highlandstoday.com .

Share this: