iPhone Thief Caught on Video

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies have released a video that shows a suspect wanted in connection with a Jan. 20 theft that occurred at the Steak ‘N Shake on Sheldon Road.

It might have been a case of finders keepers for the suspect, but deputies say it is grand theft and they’re asking for Westchase residents’ help to identify the man.

The incident unfolded Jan. 20 around 10:55 p.m. when a customer at the 12931 Sheldon Road restaurant left an iPhone 5, valued at $600, in the booth where he was sitting. Surveillance video captured the image of another customer walking up to the booth, removing the phone and walking out of the restaurant without attempting to return the iPhone.

Now, deputies are hoping someone recognizes the man in the video so they can talk to him about the case.

The suspect is described as a 25 to 27 years of age. He is about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds. The man has brown hair, a medium build and was last seen wearing a blue short-sleeve shirt, jeans and black framed glasses.

Anyone with information about the suspect can call the sheriff’s office at 813-247-8200. Those wishing to be eligible for a cash reward can call tips into Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted anonymous online at www.crimestopperstb.com or by
texting "CSTB plus your tip" to C-R-I-M-E-S (274637).