FLORIDA — A man has been arrested in connection with a series of recent residential burglaries in the Winter Park community, according to the Winter Park Police Department.
Police said the investigation began after multiple burglaries were reported along the Phelps corridor of Winter Park. Officers initiated a surveillance operation in the area to identify a suspect.
During the operation, officers reported hearing two loud bangs nearby and then encountered a suspect fleeing from an unoccupied residence. The suspect, later identified as 39-year-old Joel Rosario, attempted to escape in a vehicle. Police said Rosario struck an unmarked officer’s vehicle while trying to flee.
A BOLO, or be-on-the-lookout alert, was issued to neighboring agencies. Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle and pursued it briefly. Rosario exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot before being taken into custody.
Rosario faces charges including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, burglary, criminal mischief, resisting an officer with violence, and fleeing or eluding law enforcement. Police said he is also a suspect in three additional burglaries that occurred over a five-day period. Investigators have not identified any known connection between Rosario and the victims.
