A 19-year-old Valrico man allegedly broke into a Bradenton Beach home, gave his name and ran away before police found him sleeping nearby.
Stephen Brett Cook was arrested for criminal mischief after 3 a.m. May 7 for a home invasion in the 100 block of Third Street South.
Dogs began barking before a resident found her glass door shattered and an unknown man inside her home, according to a Bradenton Beach Police Department report.
The woman asked the intruder why he was in her house and the man allegedly responded: “Me and my friends did this to the door.” He also stated, “My name is Stephen Cook.”
Another witness told police she saw two people arguing and kicking the door, breaking the glass, and a man and woman leave in a white car. The witness also led police to a suspicious male sleeping in a chair in the 100 block of Bridge Street.
Officer Jason Higgins awakened and arrested Cook. He was transported to the Manatee County jail. He was booked at the jail, posted a $1,500 bond and was released.
A Tampa attorney filed a not-guilty plea May 12 on Cook’s behalf.
Cook’s arraignment is set for 9 a.m. Friday, June 10, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.