Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/190797
CRIME BLOTTER Video surveillance showing a robbery at the Golden Host Hotel in Sarasota led to an arrest in multiple armed robberies, according to the Police Department. Image from Google Maps. (Inset) Joseph Serrano/ Contributed photo SARASOTA MAN CHARGED IN STRING OF ARMED ROBBERIES AT HOTELS The Sarasota Police Department has charged Joseph Serrano, 22, of 4815 Bradenton Road, No. 6, Sarasota, with two counts of Armed Robbery with a Firearm, two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, a news release says. The charges resulted from incidents at area hotels. The victim refused and tried to grab the gun, so Serrano hit her in the head with the gun before taking money and fleeing, the release says. About 2:39 p.m. on Sept. 25, officers responded to Hyatt Place Hotel at 950 University Parkway in reference to a suspicious person. Hotel employees told officers that a male matching the suspect in one of the earlier robberies was sitting in the lobby, and he was not registered as a guest, the release notes. Serrano's physical build and clothing matched what was seen on the video surveillance from the Golden Host Hotel, the release adds. At 10:17 p.m. on Sept. 18, officers say Serrano walked into the lobby of the Golden Host Hotel at 4675 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, armed with a handgun. He allegedly pointed the handgun at the victim's face, demanded money, emptied the victim's pockets and punched him in the stomach before fleeing, a When officers approached him, according to news release says. the report, Serrano told them he was there On Sept. 25 at 12:52 a.m., officers say Serrano just to use the Wi-Fi. The officers contacted entered the Marriott Residence Inn at 1040 detectives, who arrived on the scene and University Parkway — again armed with a interviewed Serrano, the report adds. He handgun — and approached a hotel clerk, denied any involvement in the robberies, the demanding money, the release continues. report concludes.