Forensic Evidence Lands Roommates Behind Bars

                                                                                                               NEWS RELEASE #: 16-186 - OCTOBER 5, 2016

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office arrested two men for Armed Burglary after forensic evidence connected them to the theft of a .40 caliber handgun from a Sarasota home.

Deputies were first alerted to suspicious activity on Tuesday afternoon in the 2400 block of Grove Street, when neighbors saw two suspects approach a front door, walk to the rear of the home and then quickly flee the area. Neighbors took a photo of the suspect's license plate and shared it with responding deputies. When the victim entered his home, he reported a .40 caliber "baby desert eagle" handgun missing from inside the residence. Forensic Technicians responded, processed the scene and located two distinct shoe prints inside the home. Technicians also recovered a hat that didn't belong to the victim, on the backside of the home.

Using license plate information, investigating deputies connected the suspect vehicle to a Sarasota man well known to law enforcement. When Tactical Unit deputies arrived at his home, they located the vehicle and three residents; all of whom agreed to a search of the residence. While inside, detectives located a pair of sneakers with soles that matched the shoeprints found inside the victim's home. They also spoke with one of the residents who admitted that his roommates James Lagasse, DOB 10/26/77, and Anthony Ostrander, DOB 01/07/86, had tried to sell him the stolen gun only a few hours prior.

Lagasse and Ostrander are both charged with Armed Burglary, Grand Theft of a Firearm and Violation of Probation. They are each being held without bond. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.
James Lagasse_10052016 Anthony Ostrander_10052016