Attempted Auto Burglary at Jail Results in Arrest

Donald Gartner had just been released from the Land O’ Lakes Jail following a criminal mischief arrest when Pasco deputies say he tried to break into two cars. Lucky for the owners the cars were parked in the jail’s parking lot.

According to a Pasco County complaint affidavit, the incident occurred just after 10 p.m. on Oct. 2. The report said Gartner, who was supposed to be waiting for a ride, approached a silver Acura in the parking lot. He tried to open the car's doors, but was stopped by the owner. When she started screaming, Gartner told her he thought the car was his, the report said.

Gartner then walked up to another car and attempted to open its doors. This time the act was witnessed by a lieutenant, who notified detention deputies. Gartner was rearrested him on two counts of attempted auto burglary.

Gartner, 48, of 7476 Rosewood Drive in Port Richey was being held on $5,000 bond at the Land O’ Lakes Jail today, Oct. 3.