PSL man arrested for attempted burglary to business after a police foot chase
Port St. Lucie, Fl- On March 5, Port St Lucie Police arrested John Thomas Montenegro on the following charges: Attempted Burglary- 1 Cnt, Burglary to Businesses – 3 Cnts, Grand Theft- 3 Cnts, Possession of Burglary tools- 3 Cnts, Felony Criminal Mischief – 4 Cnts, Resist Officer w/o Violence -1 Cnt, and Possession of Firearm by convicted felon -1Cnt.
From the Port St. Lucie Police:
Today at approximately 3:50 am, a Sergeant was patrolling the businesses in his assigned area when he noticed a power outage to the Speedway Business. As he approached the business in his marked police car; the male suspect that was in that general area saw the police car and took off running which lead to a foot chase, however the male suspect was immediately apprehended. Minor injuries were sustained to the suspect’s arm.
Officers discovered the male suspect matched the description of a suspect that had burglarized other businesses within the City of Port St. Lucie during the week of February 22nd –February 26th, 2019.
Today, the male suspect attempted to burglarize the Speedway Gas Station -10453 S US 1, PSL by using screwdrivers to pry the back door open and by cutting/shutting off the power to the business (turned switch to off at the rear of business). When questioned, the suspect stated he was attempting to break into the Speedway. Nothing was stolen.
The suspect’s truck (Gray Dakota pick-up/ tag -1516YP) was parked at the rear of the adjoining business. Located inside the bed of the suspect’s truck was a black safe and hand tools (Hammer, Pliers, Screwdrivers etc.). The description of the suspect’s truck matched the description of a truck seen at the other burglaries. A search warrant for the truck was approved and the following items were located: Firearm in the driver side compartment and a Safe in the bed of the truck.
A few hours later, police were investigating an additional incident of another burglary reported during the time the suspect was in custody. The burglary occurred at Subway- 9136 S US 1, PSL, where the electrical power was cut/ shut off. A Safe was stolen (matching the description of the safe inside the bed of the truck) and forced entry was gained through the rear door of the business. The business sustained damage to the lock.
On February 22nd, Harper’s Pub -1744 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd, PSL was burglarized. Forced entry was gained through the rear door causing damage to the lock and multiple game machines inside of the business were forced opened with unknown tool(s). The amount of cash/ coins stolen totaled two thousand fifty dollars ($2050.00). During this specific burglary the suspect wore a mask to cover his face.
On February 26th, Subway -1668 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd, PSL was burglarized. Forced entry was gained through the rear door causing damage of $1000.00 to the door/ lock. A prybar was used to open the cash register; in addition an attempt was made to get into the safe, however the suspect was unsuccessful. The suspect stole one hundred dollars in cash ($100.00). During this specific burglary the suspect wore a mask to cover his face.
It appears the suspect committed the burglaries alone. There has not been any mention of anyone else being present during these burglaries.
John T. Montenegro (suspect) confessed to the four burglaries saying “I’m going back to my old habits”. John Montenegro was taken to the St. Lucie County Jail for booking.
