He helped catch a suspected car burglar.

TAMPA – A Clearwater-based Coast Guardsman received the Citizen Appreciation Award on Thursday (Jan. 19) from the Tampa police for his help in catching a suspected car burglar in December.

Lt. Michael Klakring, an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter pilot working in the law enforcement intelligence division at Air Station Clearwater, received the award during a ceremony at the Tampa Police Department.

Police said that, about 5:49 a.m. Dec. 16, Klakring witnessed a car burglary suspect using a sledge hammer to break the rear window of a neighbor’s car, enter the car and remove a computer printer.

Klakring said it was the first week he and his family moved into the Tampa neighborhood when he witnessed the crime and immediately notified police. He stayed on the phone with the police and followed the suspect down the street until officers arrived. He identified the suspect who was still holding the sledge hammer and the printer.

Police arrested the suspect. Officials said it was the fourth, and last, auto burglary in December in the neighborhood.

Klakring said, as a pilot, he is always aware and he attributes his work in the Coast Guard to his swift actions that day.

“I was very surprised and thankful for the award,” Klakring said. “Working in the law enforcement division has allowed me to see the full spectrum of drug enforcement and the importance of partnerships in the law enforcement community.”

For information about the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, go to uscg.mil.

Photo shows Coast Guard Lt. Michael Klakring, an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter pilot at Air Station Clearwater, receiving the Tampa Police Department’s Citizen Appreciation Award from Chief Eric Ward. Courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard Public Affairs Detachment Tampa Bay.

U.S. Coast Guard | Tampa Police | Award | Michael Klakring | TB Reporter

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