A string of car burglaries across Sebring has Highlands County deputies searching for a suspect with a distinctive accessory: a stolen black-and-red backpack bearing the image of Family Guy character Stewie Griffin. Surveillance footage shows the person methodically checking door handles on vehicles parked along several residential streets, and investigators are now asking the public for help putting a name to the face.
According to WFLA, Highlands County deputies are trying to identify a suspect accused of burglarizing or attempting to burglarize several vehicles in Sebring. The outlet reports the incidents took place on Longview Road, Springdale Road and Grouper Drive, with the suspect allegedly going car to car testing whether doors had been left unlocked.
Surveillance Footage Tracks Suspect's Movements
The surveillance video central to the investigation shows the suspect checking door handles on multiple vehicles, per the same report. That footage, along with the standout detail of the backpack, forms the bulk of what investigators have shared publicly as they work to track down whoever is responsible.
Beyond simply breaking into the vehicles, the suspect is also accused of making off with the now-infamous backpack itself, described as stolen and featuring Stewie Griffin, the station notes. Deputies have not released additional details about what, if anything, else may have been taken from the targeted cars.
How to Submit a Tip
The Highlands County Sheriff's Office has asked anyone with information to call 863-402-7350 or email [email protected], the article states. Tipsters who prefer to stay anonymous have another avenue as well, through Heartland Crime Stoppers.
Heartland Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous tips on unsolved crimes through its website or by calling 1-888-400-TIPS (8477). The organization states on its site, “Should you have any information regarding these incidents, please contact Crime Stoppers via this website or by calling 1-888-400-TIPS (8477). You are guaranteed anonymity.”
For now, the suspect's identity remains unknown, and deputies are relying on the public's eyes — and that unmistakable cartoon backpack — to help close the case.
