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DUANE BOURNEHe is charged with 10 counts of burglary after a detective undercover in a parking lot calls other deputies.
SPRING HILL - He struck while the unsuspecting victims ate and drank at bars and restaurants along Commercial Way. He struck while they bowled at Spring Hill Lanes. He even struck while a mother and daughter visited Weeki Wachee Springs.
In a string of vehicle burglaries that began Feb. 12, according to reports from the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, the person had the same modus operandi: He sneaked up - mostly to sport utility vehicles - in parking lots, popped windows and made off with the belongings inside.
Now, an inmate from a state-run work release program in Crystal River stands accused of the crimes, said sheriff's spokesman Lt. Joseph Paez.
Authorities first took note in mid February of a series of "smash and grab" burglaries in a 4-mile radius around Commercial Way and Cortez Boulevard.
However, it was not until a little undercover work Friday night at Rumors Lounge, 5526 Commercial Way, that they connected Stephen J. Eiland to the incidents.
The 30-year-old Eiland was arrested and charged with 10 counts of burglary.
While doing a background check on Eiland, authorities found that he was on work release after being charged in Lake County with grand theft and possession of burglary tools.
Eiland remained in custody Monday at the Hernando County Jail in lieu of $9,000 bail.
"It looks like while he was on work release, he was out making some money," Paez said.
The Sheriff's Office gave this account of the events Friday night that led to Eiland's arrest:
Shortly before midnight, Detective Steve Bishop, doing undercover work, noticed a Ford Bronco entering the parking lot at Rumors Lounge.
The truck drove to the northeast corner of the lot, and a man authorities later identified as Eiland got out. But Eiland quickly headed back to the truck when he noticed Deputy John Gore driving through the lot on a security check.
Once Gore left, Eiland got back out of the truck and began looking through the windows of several vehicles with a flashlight.
Eiland tried to open the driver's side door of a 2000 Chevy Blazer, but when he lifted the handle, he activated the vehicle's alarm.
Startled, he jumped into his truck and drove to the opposite end of the parking lot, stopping next to a Chevy Venture van.
Eiland turned off his headlights, and then Bishop heard what appeared to be glass breaking.
Eiland again jumped into his truck and drove to the center of the parking lot, stopping next to Bishop.
Through his window, Bishop saw Eiland rummaging through a wallet, and he contacted Sgt. Rob Libengood, who called in other deputies to arrest Eiland.
Authorities searched Eiland's vehicle and found $256 in cash and other items believed to be stolen from vehicles, including a wallet with a Social Security card belonging to one of the victims.
- Duane Bourne covers law enforcement and emergency services in Hernando County and can be reached at 754-6114. Send e-mail to dbourne@sptimes.com