SUWANNEE COUNTY, FL – A theft in progress at a worksite on July 31 led to the arrest of a convicted felon after a Suwannee County Sheriff’s K9 successfully tracked him to a nearby residence.
On the evening of July 31, deputies were dispatched to a worksite on 76th Street following an alert from surveillance cameras set up by the victims, who had been experiencing ongoing theft. When deputies arrived, the suspects had fled on foot.
Corporal Justin Stout deployed K9 Thor, who tracked the suspects to a nearby residence. With Thor’s assistance, deputies identified and detained Alton Mark Lane. Lane was found to be in possession of a short-barrel shotgun, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. As a convicted felon, this firearm possession is illegal. In a post-Miranda interview, Lane admitted to his involvement in the theft.
Lane was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including grand theft and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Authorities noted that more charges are pending against other individuals involved as the investigation continues.
The Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office extended its gratitude to K9 Thor, Corporal Justin Stout, Deputy James Pert, Investigator Jacob Williamson, and Florida Highway Patrol Troopers L. Zimmermann and H. Cason for their coordinated efforts.