Thursday, May 2, 2019

Crimes of Opportunity


May 2, 2019

Multiple vehicle burglaries and thefts were reported during the week of April 22 to the Levy County Sheriff’s Office and the Williston Police Department. Deputies were scrambling to identify the suspect and an alert citizen who is also a victim provided the lead needed.

Deputy Matt Davis responded to the convenience store across from the Bronson Racetrack on April 29th to take a theft report from yet another victim. After which he viewed the store’s surveillance video which captured the suspect in the act. This video was used to make a positive identification of the suspect vehicle, but the thief could not be positively identified. 

The following day Deputy Davis located the suspect vehicle on US Hwy 27 in Bronson. He activated his emergency equipment signaling the driver to pull over. The driver did stop in the parking lot of Drummond Community Bank, but as Deputy Davis exited his vehicle, the driver sped away. A short car chase ensued and after a few turns by the suspect in his attempt to elude Deputy Davis, he abandoned his car and fled on foot. He was located a short distance away from his car and apprehended by Deputy Davis.

The fleeing driver and burglary suspect was identified as Faron Dwayne Brannen (1-16-60) of Bronson. Deputy Davis’ investigation revealed Brannen was homeless and living in the suspect vehicle. Brannen is also reported to be addicted to illegal narcotics, and it is presumed he committed crimes of opportunity by burglarizing unlocked vehicles looking for valuables to support his drug habit. 

As seen in this video, this was a true crime of opportunity. Brannen did not use any cunning or even work hard to enter the vehicle. Every other report taken by both the Sheriff’s Office and the Williston Police Department were burglaries to unlocked vehicles and thefts which were committed without much effort. This case should be a reminder to all…. Lock YOUR CAR, take your valuables inside and protect your hard earned property, no matter where you are.

This is an on-going investigation and stolen property is still being found by citizens. Stolen items, which were obviously discarded, have been found in various areas of Levy County between Bronson and Williston. The Levy County Sheriff’s Office is asking our citizens to report any found property to our office by calling 352-486-5111.