Tampa Deputies Arrested Man for Vehicle Burglary

A 37-year-old man was taken into custody following reports of property damage on Lincoln Cove Drive.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Property Crime

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Tampa deputies arrested a 37-year-old man on October 3 following reports of vehicle burglaries and property damage at a local apartment complex. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Deputies in Tampa arrested a 37-year-old suspect on October 3, 2026, after he was allegedly caught breaking into vehicles at an apartment complex. A witness reported seeing the man shatter a car window with a stone before he was eventually located on the grounds.

Why it matters

The arrest follows reports of significant property damage and attempted burglary within a residential area. Local authorities are investigating the incident to determine if additional charges are warranted beyond those already filed.

Yordenis Sotomayor Tamayo faces charges of criminal mischief involving over $1,000 in damage and trespass in an unoccupied conveyance. The suspect remains in custody pending further proceedings.

The players

Yordenis Sotomayor Tamayo

He is the 37-year-old suspect arrested by deputies for vehicle burglary and criminal mischief.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

This is the law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling the area and handling the investigation in Tampa.

The details

Deputies arrived at the apartment complex after a witness observed the suspect crawling into a car he had allegedly broken into with a stone. When apprehended, the suspect was shoeless and had a visible cut on his knuckles, while his belongings were found inside one of the vehicles.

Timeline

  1. Deputies arrived at the apartment complex at 8:49 a.m. on October 3, 2026.

  2. The suspect was taken into custody during the morning of October 3, 2026.

Legal Context

This arrest follows the criteria set by Florida state law for criminal mischief charges based on property damage values. Such incidents are prosecuted according to established penal codes regarding the destruction of private property and unauthorized access to vehicles.

Residents in the Lincoln Cove Drive area are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the sheriff's office at (813) 247-8200. This incident serves as a reminder to ensure all vehicles are locked and valuables are removed to prevent opportunistic crime.

The takeaway

Vehicle burglaries can often be deterred by removing personal items and securing vehicles in well-lit areas. If you witness a break-in, prioritize your personal safety by contacting law enforcement rather than intervening.

Further reading

For more information on local safety trends, visit our Property Crime section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Tampa Free Press.

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Do you feel your neighborhood is safe from incidents of vehicle theft or property damage?