Deputy Spots Burglary In Progress At Family Dollar Store

CARROLLWOOD, FL — Two people are behind bars, thanks to an alert deputy who caught them in the act of burglarizing a Family Dollar Store.

On Tuesday, July 21, at 9:40 p.m., Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputy Breck Spanier spotted a vehicle parked outside a closed Family Dollar store at 7901 North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa and saw a person inside wearing a mask.

As Spanier drove toward the store, the vehicle began to drive away so Spanier pulled the vehicle over and found two people inside and burglary tools in plain sight.

Deputies discovered the front lock of the Family Dollar had been punched out and the entrance was unsecured.

Alain DeLeon, 41, was charged with burglary of an unoccupied structure while wearing a mask and possession of burglary tools. Marco Gonzalez, 41, was charged with burglary of an unoccupied structure and possession of burglary tools.

"I am proud of Deputy Spanier who noticed suspicious activity, trusted his instinct and acted swiftly to catch these men," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "When they are not responding to calls, our deputies are patrolling our streets, devoted to keeping our community safe."