ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (CBS12) — Cory Kendrick, 24, was arrested by St. Petersburg Police in connection with a series of smash-and-grab vehicle burglaries that occurred between January 2 and January 5, 2025.
The investigation began after surveillance footage on January 4 showed Kendrick riding a bicycle through the Publix parking lot at 1700 34th Street North. The video captured him breaking into vehicles, rummaging through them, and stealing items. Eleven vehicles were damaged at this location alone.
The following morning, an officer spotted Kendrick riding a bicycle near the 1100 block of Baum Avenue. Recognizing him from the surveillance footage, the officer attempted to stop him, but Kendrick tried to flee. He was quickly apprehended, and two firearms were recovered during his arrest.
Detectives were able to link Kendrick to additional vehicle burglaries, including five incidents in the parking lot of a dental office at 3238 4th Street North on January 2.
Kendrick is facing a range of charges, including:
11 counts of vehicle burglary
1 count of armed vehicle burglary
1 count of credit card fraud
1 count of credit card theft
1 count of unlawful possession of personal identification
1 count of obstruction
1 count of carrying a concealed firearm
1 count of felon in possession of a firearm
Detectives are continuing to reach out to potential victims and witnesses as they believe Kendrick may be connected to other related crimes over the past month. Additional charges are expected as the investigation progresses.
