Bradenton Police Arrest Suspect After Mini Mart Burglary and Lottery Ticket Scratch-Off Session
A 46-year-old man was arrested Sunday night, less than an hour after allegedly burglarizing a Bradenton convenience store and then attempting to cash in on stolen lottery tickets nearby.
According to the Bradenton Police Department, Bryan Jones was taken into custody following a burglary at Bud’s Mini Mart on Carlton Drive. Investigators said surveillance footage showed Jones entering the business through the ceiling at approximately 9:55 p.m., immediately triggering the store’s security alarm.
Police said Jones spent fewer than 10 minutes inside the store, stealing cigarettes, lottery tickets, alcohol and food items before leaving the scene. The burglary caused significant damage to the structure, authorities said.
Officers quickly reviewed security footage with assistance from the store owner and distributed a suspect description to responding units. Detective Beckley, who was in the area, spotted Jones a short distance away, allegedly scratching lottery tickets while carrying a backpack filled with cigarettes, matching items reported stolen from the store.
Investigators said Jones had not won any prizes from the stolen tickets. After being located, he agreed to speak with detectives and was taken into custody without incident.
Jones was booked into the Manatee County Jail and charged with Burglary to a Structure Causing Damage exceeding $1,000 and Criminal Mischief causing damage exceeding $1,000.
The arrest came approximately one hour after the burglary was reported, allowing officers to recover evidence connected to the crime.
