Broward Sheriff’s Office robbery detectives have obtained an arrest warrant for the man who tried to rob an IHOP restaurant last month in Pompano Beach.

The suspect, who witnesses said has a distinctive “sleeve” tattoo of flames that covered his entire right arm, has been identified as 20-year-old Gilbert Cruz.

BSO robbery detectives said shortly after 1 a.m. on June 16, Cruz entered the IHOP at 790 N. Federal Hwy. in Pompano Beach carrying a rifle and demanding money from employees but then leaving before taking the money.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Gilbert Cruz is urged to call BSO Robbery Det. Tony Hierrezuelo at (954) 321-4270 or call Broward Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at (954) 493-TIPS (8477) or online at www.browardcrimestoppers.org.

University of Miami Hurricane football players will take a break from the gridiron to ride out with Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies Saturday night in Deerfield Beach.

The Canes on Patrol program was created in 1996 by Deputy Butch Santy, a veteran law enforcement officer who’s been with BSO since 1976. The community initiative allows the UM student-athletes to interact with youth and other residents while patrolling with BSO deputies and learning firsthand what it means to protect and serve.

Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti will address the troops and several UM players Saturday, July 16 at a 6 p.m. roll call at the BSO Deerfield Beach district office. Following the briefing, the players will ride along with deputies throughout the district.

Among those players assisting deputies will be: wide receivers Laron Byrd, Kendal Thompkins, Tommy Streeter, Allen Hurns, Rashawn Scott and Phillip Dorsett; offensive lineman Brandon Washington; running back Mike James and tight end Cory White.

DEERFIELD BEACH

July 9 A man reported his vehicle stolen from the 300 block of NE 38 Street.

July 9 A man was arrested and charged with possession of narcotics at the 100 block of NE 1 Terrace.

July 9 A woman reported her purse stolen with credit card, cash and cell phone on the 200 block of SE 21 Avenue.

July 10 A woman reported that her rear left car window was smashed and her purse stolen on the 400 block of S. Powerline Road.

July 10 A man was arrested and charged with domestic violence after punching a woman at the 800 block of Spring Circle.

July 10 A man was arrested and charged with aggravated assault after making threats, pointing a gun at people and firing shots into the air on the 300 block of SW 3 Avenue.

July 10 A woman reported that a man threatened to kill her and two other women on the 5000 block of NE 5 Terrace.

July 10 A man reported his vehicle broken into and a Coach purse and man’s wallet stolen at 400 N. Powerline Rd.

DEERFIELD – District 4

July 5 Grand theft occurred between 2 p.m., June 28 and 12:30 p.m., July 5 in Deer Run, 3230 SW 1 St. Unknown person stole the internal parts and a piece of the outside air conditioner unit from this location.

July 6 Residential burglary was reported at 3497 Palladian Circle at 10:15 a.m. Deputies responded to a residential alarm at this address, where a check of the exterior revealed the rear screen patio door ajar and the sliding glass window shattered. A perimeter was quickly established. BSO helicopter was on scene. A check of the interior by deputies revealed it was vacant with numerous valuables in plain view (laptop, camera, cell phone, etc). Resident stated everything inside the home looked normal and undisturbed.

July 6 Residential burglary took place during evening hours at 2706 SW 15 St., Waterford. BSO deputies responded to the scene to find a shattered sliding glass door. Detectives worked the case through the night. A suspect has been arrested in connection with the case, and the investigation is ongoing. If you see suspicious activity, call 911 immediately.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

June 29 Two transformers were reported stolen from Beacon Light Partners Unlimited on the 2400 block of N. Federal Highway.

June 30 A man reported his truck stolen from the 2200 block of NE 44 Street. The truck contained five scuba tanks.

July 1 A man was issued a trespass warning after becoming unruly at SunTrust Bank on the 3800 block of N. Federal Highway.

July 1 A man reported his American flag and flag pole stolen from his home on the 1900 block of NE 30 Court.

July 2 A woman was arrested and charged with driving without a valid driver’s license on the 2700 block of N. Federal Highway.

A Transportation Security Administration employee was caught stealing an I-Pad computer from a suitcase, and Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives say he’s responsible for a string of similar thefts over the past six months.

Nelson Santiago, who worked in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport’s Terminal 1, which houses Southwest and Continental airlines, was arrested Monday and charged with two counts of grand theft. Santiago, 30, told detectives that he stole electronics such as computers, GPS devices and video cameras from luggage he was screening. He would immediately take a photo of the stolen item with his cell phone, post it for sale online and often sell it by the time his shift ended. Detectives estimate he stole about $50,000 worth of electronics over the past six months, and the vast majority of the items were sold very quickly.

A Continental employee who saw Santiago slip an I-Pad computer out of a suitcase Monday and into his pants confronted Santiago and reported the theft to a Continental supervisor. The supervisor then contacted BSO and the TSA. TSA is cooperating with the investigation.

Santiago was arrested Monday and was released on bond the following day. He has been a TSA officer since January 2009 but no longer works with the agency. BSO’s investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are pending. Detectives are trying to locate possible victims, though most will never recover their property.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of theft at the airport can report information to BSO Det. Michael Sweeney at (954) 359-6417 or report information about the investigation anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Broward County at (954) 493-TIPS (8477) or online at www.browardcrimestoppers.org.

DNA evidence recovered at the scene of a September 14, 2010 burglary and arson in Pompano Beach has linked a Broward man to the crime.

The evidence revealed James Mathis, 56, was the suspect involved in the burglary and arson that caused thousands of dollars in damage at the Palm Aire Country Club Clubhouse. At 4:12 a.m. that Tuesday, Pompano Beach Fire Rescue and Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to 2601 N. Palm Aire Dr. after a 911 caller reported flames were shooting out of the clubhouse. Firefighters doused the flames and realized the fire was an attempt to cover up a crime. The suspect ransacked the business, stealing liquor and money before trying to cover his tracks by setting the place ablaze.

Once identified through DNA, detectives located Mathis at the BSO Main Jail where he’s been since an unrelated arrest by the Ft. Lauderdale Police Department on September 29. BSO detectives have now added charges of burglary and arson to Mathis’ growing list of offenses.

Two days later after the Palm Aire Country Club fire there was another burglary and arson at 2601 W. Atlantic Blvd. in Pompano Beach. At the time it was unclear if both incidents were perpetrated by the same suspect, but investigators say they don’t believe Mathis was involved in that incident.

DEERFIELD BEACH

June 27 A victim on NW 4 Avenue had her home burglarized and $6,500 in jewelry stolen.

June 28 A home on Crystal Lake Drive had its sliding rear door broken and $1,500 in jewelry stolen.

June 29 An unidentified victim is the subject in a death investigation off NE 3 Avenue. No other information is available.

July 1 A Jaguar and a Lexus were taken from near SE 12 Ave. Two black male juveniles were arrested for this case and for another case where a shed was broken into.

July 2 A car parked near the beach had its lock punched out and a laptop, left in the side seat stolen.

July 2 A complainant on NE 10 Avenue said he woke up to gun shots outside his residence and one projectile entered a home on NE 10 Avenue. Five spent shell casings and one spent cartridge were found.

July 2 A building on SW 13 Drive had two A/C units stolen worth $5,000.

DEERFIELD — District 4

June 25 Arrest was made in a conveyance burglary at The Preserve in Deer Creek at 3:43 p.m. Deputies responded to a possible burglary in progress, where a man was seen breaking into cars. Attempts were made to locate subject or a victim with negative results. While detectives were working a burglary operational plan, detectives observed a subject matching the description of the subject listed above and contacted him. Consent to search was given and marijuana and a GPS were located. After Miranda rights were read, suspect (and his girlfriend) admitted to going into vehicles in the area. Investigation revealed two confirmed conveyance burglaries in Deer Creek — which suspects admitted to — and additional stolen items were recovered. Suspects were arrested and transported to Broward County Jail. Investigation ongoing.

June 25 Arrest was made in a grand theft at Deer Creek, 5257 W. Lakes Drive at 3:30 p.m. During an ongoing investigation, suspect was identified after taking victim’s jewelry and pawning it. Suspect agreed to come to the office. After Miranda rights were read, suspect admitted to taking victim’s property and pawning it for money. Suspect was arrested and taken to Broward County Jail.

June 26 Conveyance burglary was reported between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at Latino Restaurant, 1745 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Victim reported she parked her vehicle at listed location, went to work there and when she returned, she observed her right passenger window smashed. Subject removed victim’s purse, containing $400 in cash, total loss valued at $650. Scene was not processed due to weather.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

June 21 The copper wiring was stolen from a business on N. Federal Highway.

June 22 A total of eight wheels, worth almost $10,000, were stolen from Sheehan Pontiac.

June 23 A suspect was apprehended at Publix after shoplifting food from the store at 3700 N. Federal Highway.

Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi announced today that more than 105,000 pills were surrendered at 24 locations during a statewide compliance operation conducted by the Department of Health, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and five of Florida’s Regional Drug Enforcement Strike Forces.  The inspections were conducted pursuant to the Department of Health’s declaration of public health emergency made on July 1.

“Earlier this year, I made a promise to crack down on pill mills and stomp this scourge out of our state. The results we’re seeing this week show we’re making good on that promise,” said Governor Rick Scott. “I thank the law enforcement and public health professionals who are making our multi-faceted approach a success and a model for the nation. By shutting down pill mills, we are saving lives and making our communities safer places to live.”

“One of the most effective ways to stop prescription drug abuse is to cut it off at the source,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi. “It was gratifying to accompany the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and the South Florida Strike Force and see them quarantine prescription narcotics and prevent the easy access that had long exacerbated this epidemic.”

The number of pills surrendered or returned to the distributor in each region is as follows:

• Miami Regional Operation Center:                       48,406.5 pills
• Orlando Regional Operation Center:                   52,322 pills
• Tampa Bay Regional Operation Center:             4,698 pills
• Fort Myers Regional Operation Center:               153 pills
• Pensacola Regional Operation Center:              None

In March 2011, Governor Scott announced a Statewide Drug Strike Force, headed by FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey, to combat the criminal distribution of prescription drugs in Florida. With support from Attorney General Pam Bondi and state and local law enforcement leaders, the Strike Force is charged with stopping the flow of dangerous drugs into communities by disrupting the major illegal supply points.

Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies in Deerfield Beach are experiencing a spike in vehicle burglaries where suspects are targeting valet keys. Valet keys are normally supplied by vehicle manufacturers and can be found in the back of the owner’s manual in the glove box. Their purpose is to allow vehicle owners to supply valet parkers with a key that only unlocks the door and starts the engine. These keys are difficult to copy. Burglars target unlocked vehicles, steal the valet key, then return at a later time to steal the vehicle. If you have a valet key please secure it in a safe place. Lock your vehicle doors and do not leave items of value inside. Call 911 if you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood.

In addition, this was also sent out by BSO deputies:

BSO deputies worked throughout the night to solve multiple auto thefts and vehicle burglaries in the Cove Area.  A month long proactive initiative, coupled with alert patrol deputies, lead to the arrest of one suspect and the identification of another who had just stolen two vehicles from the area.  The suspects targeted unlocked vehicles for property and valet keys.  The investigation is continuing.  Please lock your vehicle doors and do not leave items of value inside.  If you see suspicious activity call 911 immediately.

DEERFIELD BEACH

June 20 While driving on NE 1 Terrace, an officer saw a suspect vehicle driving and chased it before two black males eventually fled the car. A BOLO was issued and the two suspects, Jagqhon Wigley and Tevin Brown were arrested for theft of the vehicle.

June 22 Thieves stole a laptop from a business on NE 2 Street.

June 22 A home on SW 12 Court had three cameras, a 42” LCD flat screen LG Television, an iMac desktop, an HP laptop, a large amount of jewelry, medals  and other items stolen.

June 23 A vacant home on NW 38 Court was burglarized and two mattresses, two fuse boxes and the compressor for the fridge were stolen. Thieves attempted to take the A/C, but were unable to.

June 24 Lukes Louis and Hannah Rodriguez were arrested for burglarizing multiple vehicles in Deer Creek.

June 26 Victim allegedly placed $17,000 worth of jewelry into a storage unit outside her apartment building that went missing.

June 26 Two A/C units were removed from behind a duplex on SW 14 Street.

June 26 A Hollywood man visiting a home on SW 6 Way was shot by three unknown black males who “appeared out of nowhere” and shot him as he tried to flee from his vehicle. Victim had one gunshot in his back, but his story changed frequently as deputies began to investigate.

DEERFIELD BEACH

June 15 Copper piping was cut off 184 water heaters at Tivoli Trace Condos, likely within the last couple of weeks.

June 16 Driver of a bus at Century Village left the bus running and unattended and an unknown suspect drove away with the vehicle, later located on W. Hillsboro Boulevard roughly an hour or so later.

June 16 An 86-year-old woman reported a second robbery by a contractor at her home in Century Village. The suspect was working in her home and left with a checkbook. Police are reviewing since this was the second incident in this location.

June 17 A 2000 silver Ford Crown Victoria was stolen from a home on SE 4 Court.

June 17 Jeremy Lamar, an employee at Target on W. Hillsboro Boulevard, was arrested for stealing two electronic tablets from the store.

June 17 Thieves cut the lock on a pile of business storm panels stored behind a business on Federal Highway and removed the property worth at least $300 per panel.

June 18 Thieves attempted to rob Olympia Flame Diner on Federal Highway, but nothing went missing.

June 18 A black male who appeared homeless broke into Pops Fish Market. When police arrived, he crawled out from the business and fled on foot where two packages of fish were found in the road.

June 18 Police responded to a smashed-in drive-thru window at Super Food Store on NE 48 Street and found several cigars stolen from the display case. Police later located the suspect, a juvenile, on Siesta Key Boulevard when a disturbance call came in.

June 19 Police are looking for two men and possibly a child who burglarized Audio Visual Innovations on S. Military Trail, taking two computer monitors.

DEERFIELD — District 4

June 19 Burglary to a business occurred at Audio Visual Innovations, 718 S. Military Trail. Deputies responded to alarm and found smashed out window. Callout responded and advised two computer monitors were stolen. Surveillance video was reviewed and showed two males and possibly a child on video committing burglary. Rock was used to break glass door. Scene was processed.

June 18 Auto theft was reported in the Meadow Lakes/Meadow Ridge area, 1238 Military Trail, between 1:30 and 10:45 p.m. Victim stated that unknown suspect(s) removed his 2006 Mazda four-door. Victim had both sets of keys, no glass was on the ground. No video was available.

June 16 – 18 Auto theft took place at Deerfield Mall, 3740 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Victim reported he left his vehicle at the Deerfield Mall parking lot for two days and, when he returned, the vehicle was gone. Deputy checked the tow logs of local towing companies with negative results. Affidavit was signed.

June 19 Auto theft was reported at Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd. between 3:45 and 4:45 p.m. Unknown suspect(s) stole the victim’s 2006 Ford F-350. Suspect(s) broke window to gain access, victim had left keys under seat while mountain biking.

If you see suspicious activity, call 911 immediately.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

June 14 An unlocked car parked on NE 28 Court was vandalized.

June 15 A victim had a suspect contact her, pretending to be her grandson, saying he was in jail in Spain and he needed her to wire him bond money to get out. This happened three times, for a total of $6,853, before the victim realized she was being scammed.