POLICE BRIEFS / Compiled by BRAD DICKERSON

POLICE BRIEFS

Man Arrested For December Vehicle Burglary

AVON PARK - Robert Bernard Pough, 18, of 1443 N. Melrose Drive, Avon Park, was arrested Wednesday on warrants charging burglary of a dwelling, structure or conveyance while armed, theft of $300 or more, theft of a firearm and violation of an injunction for protection against domestic violence.

On Dec. 21, 2008, Pough reportedly entered a Ford F250 truck on Misty Lake Terrace and took a loaded 9mm Beretta handgun, a .22 caliber Rugar rifle, a cellphone, a pouch and a set of keys.

On the same date, in the same area, seven other vehicle and residential burglaries were committed, according to the arrest report.

When the property was eventually recovered, a set of fingerprints was reportedly found on the Beretta and a palm print was discovered on the rear of the gun's magazine. The palm print was positively identified as being Pough's, the report stated.

Highlands County Sheriff's Deputy Yancy Michael Plair made the arrest.

Two Men Charged In Avon Park Home Burglary

AVON PARK - Francisco Luis Gutierrez, 19, of 1114 W. Pleasant St., and Hector Zubia Jr., 21, both of Avon Park, were arrested Wednesday and charged with burglary of an unoccupied dwelling while unarmed and theft of $300 or more.

Additionally, Zubia was charged with giving a false ID to a law enforcement officer.

Two witnesses told police that they saw Zubia forcefully enter a home on Wilhite Street in Avon Park around 11:35 a.m., Wednesday. Gutierrez was seen standing outside the residence and serving as a lookout, according to the arrest report.

Zubia was reportedly seen leaving the home carrying a tan cowboy hat and a white plastic bag. Both witnesses gave a description of the suspects and the direction they were seen heading in.

The two were stopped at the intersection of North Hart Avenue and West Prairie Street, the report stated. One of the witnesses was brought to the scene and reportedly positively identified the men as the ones she saw burglarizing the home.

The homeowners said the items taken were multiple western-style pants and shirts, a tan cowboy hat and a case containing CDs and DVDs. The total value was $1,500.

Avon Park Police Officer James Parker made the arrest.

Man Allegedly Swallows Cocaine Following Traffic Stop

SEBRING - Todd William Harrington, 40, of 6919 Neda St., Sebring, was arrested Wednesday and charged with possession of cocaine, tampering with physical evidence, driving while license is suspended, first offense, and resisting an officer without violence.

Harrington was stopped by law enforcement for speeding and informed them his license was suspended, according to the arrest report. Authorities reportedly saw a piece of suspected cocaine on the driver's seat.

The suspect was asked to open his mouth, which allegedly had a piece of suspected crack cocaine in the "upper lip area," the report stated. Harrington was ordered to spit it out, but began "manipulating" it with his tongue.

Harrington was told he was under arrest, but attempted to flee. The suspect was forced to the ground while still resisting, the report stated. He was finally restrained once a Taser was used. By then, he had allegedly already swallowed the substance in his mouth.

The substance in the driver's seat was field tested and showed a positive reaction for cocaine.

Highlands County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Abell made the arrest.