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Suspect Gets Stuck in Air Conditioning Duct While Hiding from Hillsborough Deputies

Larry Puleo | HIllsborough Sheriff | Arrests

Deputies said the man pleaded with them to get him out because he was freezing.

TAMPA – Hillsborough sheriff’s deputies arrested a man who, they said, got stuck in an air conditioning duct while trying to avoid capture.

Larry Gaetano Puleo, 47, of Tampa, was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital where he was treated and released for hypothermia. Afterwards, he was taken to the Hillsborough jail because he had two outstanding warrants for violation of probation on charges of heroin possession and introduction of contraband into a detention facility.

Deputies said they went to an address on W Hamilton Avenue about 6:15 pm Thursday (April 13) to locate Puleo who had two outstanding warrants for violation of probation. When deputies arrived, they said they could hear someone scurrying around in the attic. K9 Deputy Ferreira and his K9 “Joker” made numerous announcements requesting Puleo to surrender.

After about an hour when Puleo had not respondeed, deputies said they searched the attic but could not locate him. Deputies began checking for any escape routes and discovered the only other possible way out was through the air conditioning duct in a bedroom closet leading into the attic.

Larry Puleo | HIllsborough Sheriff | ArrestsLarry Puleo | HIllsborough Sheriff | ArrestsLarry Puleo | HIllsborough Sheriff | ArrestsDeputies said they cut a hole in the duct and discovered Puleo hiding inside. Puleo was stuck and began pleading for deputies to get him out because he was freezing. Deputies cut a hole large enough for Puleo to physically remove himself from the duct.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue took Puleo to St. Joseph’s. After his release, he was taken to jail.

For information about the Hillsborough sheriff, go to hcso.tampa.fl.us.

Photos courtesy of the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office.

Hillsborough Sheriff | Crime | Stuck Suspect | Arrests | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

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