Detective asks for help with business burglary

To see a short video of this crime, click here

Big Pine Key – Sheriff’s Detective David Cruz is asking for the public’s help identifying the young person who broke into Paradise Petroleum on Big Pine Key March 23^rd in the early morning hours.

The suspect, who appears to be a young, white male from video surveillance tape, threw a large coral rock through the front door just after 2 a.m. Once inside, he took a cardboard box full of “Spice” packets. The suspect did not take anything else from the store. Between 200 – 300 packets of the “Spice” were taken at a value in excess of $3,500.00.

“Spice” is a product marketed as synthetic marijuana, also known as a synthetic Cannabinoid; Spice, also known as “K2”, was recently banned from sale in the state of Florida by legislation passed in March. As of April 1^st, these substances are no longer legal to sell. Also illegal under the new law are synthetic stimulant compounds commonly sold as “Bath Salts”. These products were, prior to April 1^st, sold legally in many retail outlets; they are marketed in particular to children and young adults, in some cases utilizing cartoon characters similar to those kids watch on television on the packaging to make the product appealing.

Anyone who knows anything about the burglary to Paradise Petroleum should contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers of the Florida Keys. If a tip leads to an arrest, the caller would be eligible for a cash reward. Crime Stoppers can be contacted by calling 1-800-346-TIPS or on line at www.tipsubmit.com.