Manatee County search warrant leads to Wauchula animal rescue
From the Wauchula Police Department:
On Friday, June 2nd, 2023, Cpl. Chris Gicker of the Wauchula Police Department was notified that Det. Christopher Foy of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office needed assistance within the city of Wauchula.
Det. Foy advised that a Wauchula resident, Robert Ballard Jr., had been arrested in their jurisdiction on a warrant for an armed robbery that had occurred on May 30th. During their investigation, they received information from Mr. Ballard that the property taken during that incident was secured inside his residence located on N. 2nd Avenue in Wauchula. Due to the sensitive nature of the property, Det. Foy responded directly to Wauchula and provided the necessary information for a search warrant.
Det. Pablo Bermudez responded and promptly secured the search warrant for the premises. The search warrant was immediately served at the residence and due to the quick response and cooperation of each agency, the property was recovered unharmed and will be returned to the victim of this offense. The property was listed as one black and white Maltese Shih Tzu puppy. The dog was found in a cloth, zippered, portable dog pen inside the residence.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office also obtained a Risk Protection Order on Mr. Ballard. Two rifles were also seized from the residence for safe keeping as per the court order. The Wauchula Police Department was happy to assist in this case and would like to commend all officers involved with each agency.