St. Petersburg Police Capture Smash-and-Grab Suspect

News Summary

The St. Petersburg police have arrested Cory Kendrick, a 24-year-old suspect linked to a series of smash-and-grab vehicle burglaries between January 2 and January 5, 2025. Surveillance footage displayed Kendrick breaking car windows and stealing belongings. Following his arrest, police discovered firearms and connected Kendrick to multiple burglaries, leading to numerous charges including vehicle burglary and credit card theft. Authorities are now investigating further links to additional crimes, hoping to reassure the community during this unsettling time.

St. Petersburg Police Capture Smash-and-Grab Suspect

In a string of shocking incidents that left St. Petersburg residents on edge, 24-year-old Cory Kendrick has been arrested for a series of smash-and-grab vehicle burglaries that took place across the city. The police say these brazen acts occurred over just a few days, from January 2 to January 5, 2025, and Kendrick is now facing several charges as a result of his actions.

How It All Went Down

The police investigation kicked off when reports began flooding in about smashed car windows and missing belongings. Surveillance footage from Publix, located at 1700 34th St. N., captured Kendrick in action on January 4 around 9:45 a.m. Ridiculously calm, he was seen riding his bicycle through the parking lot, casually smashing car windows, rifling through the vehicles, and snatching up what he could find. A total of 11 cars were impacted in that single location, making it clear that this was no small-time operation.

But it didn’t end there! Just a day after these chaotic events, the St. Petersburg police were out on patrol when they spotted a familiar face, one they’d seen in the footage. Kendrick was riding his bike near the 1100 block of Baum Avenue, and when officers attempted to apprehend him, he instinctively tried to flee. However, the quick-thinking police were able to catch him just a short distance away.

A Troubling Discovery

What the officers found during the arrest was alarming. Along with Kendrick, they recovered two firearms, raising serious concerns about public safety. As detectives dug deeper, it became clear that Kendrick was not just involved in the break-ins at Publix. They linked him to additional burglaries, including five incidents at a dentist office parking lot at 3238 4th St. N. on January 2. With such a pattern of illegal behavior, it was evident that Kendrick was on a criminal spree.

Multiple Charges Filed

Kendrick is now staring down a total of 11 counts of vehicle burglary. In addition, he faces an armed vehicle burglary charge, along with charges for credit card theft and fraud. Adding to his troubles, Kendrick has also been slapped with charges for unlawful possession of personal ID, obstruction of justice, carrying a concealed firearm, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. It’s safe to say that this young man has gotten himself into quite the predicament.

What’s Next?

As the investigation continues, detectives are reaching out to see if there are more victims or witnesses who might provide additional information about Kendrick’s alleged crime spree. There are also lingering suspicions that Kendrick might be tied to other related crimes that have occurred in the past month, leading police to believe there could be more hidden layers to this ongoing story.

As part of a community still healing from this chaotic chapter, St. Petersburg residents are left with a sense of unease but also hope that this recent arrest will help restore safety on their streets. While crime can shake a community, the quick response from local law enforcement serves as a reminder that they are on the job, diligently working to keep everyone safe.