INVERNESS – Citrus County Deputies were on patrol early Wednesday morning conducting a security check on a local business when they heard the security alarm ringing at the Dodge dealership on Highway 44 in Inverness. Deputies responded immediately and arrived on the scene to observe six men running through the parking lot of the dealership.
The men scattered in different directions when they saw the presence of the Deputies. Deputy Evan Marshall was able to apprehend one of the suspects when the suspect attempted to cross Highway 44.
Deputy Jon Ritli and his K9 partner, Khaos, quickly caught up to two of the other suspects after they ran across Highway 44 and jumped a fence into the Don Poss Roofing parking lot. Once Deputy Ritli and Khaos caught up with them, the two suspects surrendered quickly.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit along with several other K9 units responded to assist in the search for the other three suspects.
During the search, Deputy Ferguson observed three men matching the description of the remaining suspects behind a storage facility on Colonnade Street. The remaining men were quickly apprehended as well.
“This is the third time in several months we have successfully arrested organized crime groups from outside our area,” said Lt. John Novy. “This was a coordinated effort between eastside patrol units, eastside community crimes detectives, aviation, and dispatch. Our Dispatchers had our backs the entire time and really did an amazing job. I’m very proud to serve with these dedicated men and women.”
Deputies also recovered two vehicles that were stolen in previous robberies in Hernando and Polk counties.
“A lot of crimes were just solved for other agencies,” said Sheriff Jeff Dawsy. “This car dealership crime spree would have kept going, but it ended here in Citrus. I’m really proud of the work they did here today.”
The six men were transported to the Citrus County Detention Center.
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