Construction Workers Subdue Drunk Burglar In Publix Parking Lot

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publix shopping carts Palm Coast, FL - A group of construction workers subdued a drunk suspect who was trying to break into a work van at Publix. FCSO Deputies were called to the scene of a burglary in progress early Wednesday morning in the parking lot at Publix at 4950 Belle Terre Parkway in Palm Coast. When they arrived on scene they found a group of construction workers subduing the suspect. 24-year-old Jacob Atkinson of Palm Coast wasn't wearing a shirt or shoes, smelled strongly of alcohol, and had a bloody nose. Deputies say he seemed confused about why he was in the parking lot and how he got there. Investigators say Atkinson had been at Scruffy's Bar earlier and was kicked out of the bar about 6 times. Deputies say he injured his nose while playing pool at Scruffy's, not while he was being restrained by witnesses at Publix. Two witnesses said they saw Atkinson trying to break into an electricians' work van. That's when about 8 construction workers held him down until deputies arrived. Atkinson told deputies he may have thought the van was his. Atkinson has been charged with attempted burglary of an automobile and loitering or prowling. He was transported to the Flagler County jail and has since been released on $3,500 bail. “While we don’t suggest people take matters into their own hands, especially using force, this was a good example of people being alert to their surroundings and notifying law enforcement that a suspect was trying to break into a vehicle,” Sheriff James L. Manfre said. “We need the community to help us help you." jacob atkinson

(Jacob Atkinson, Photo courtesy FCSO)

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