The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office took to the water to arrest a man wanted for burglary and theft.
On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, detectives were searching a homeless camp on North 52nd Street in search of Shawn Landers, 46. Landers had been wanted for crimes committed in the Orient Park area.
When deputies neared the camp around 10:20 a.m., Landers fled into a nearby retention pond on the southwest side of I-4.
Aviation, Marine, and K9 deputies canvassed the area. After nearly three hours of searching, the Marine Unit found Landers hiding in tall grass and cattails.
"This is yet another example of the teamwork of our various units at teamHCSO," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Thanks to the diligence of our dedicated deputies, this criminal is off our streets and behind bars."
Landers was charged with:
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Grand Theft Third Degree ($5,000-$10,000)
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Dealing In Stolen Property
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Burglary More than $1,000 in Damage
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Resisting Officer without Violence
This investigation is ongoing; any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.