Tampa Police have arrested two men in connection with a series of auto thefts and burglaries that spanned Tampa and Pinellas County. Joshua Connor Murdock, 30, and Aaron Alderman, 37, were detained after proactive patrol efforts by officers.
The investigation indicated that the suspects entered several vehicles to steal items. Surveillance footage captured Murdock using stolen credit cards on two occasions, with his tattoos helping identify him.
On July 8, during patrols, officers noticed Murdock and Alderman in a silver Hyundai Elantra with an unregistered tag at a hotel parking lot on W. Spruce St. When officers moved to detain them, Murdock resisted arrest by striking an officer in the chest. The officer was not injured, and both suspects were apprehended.
The Hyundai Elantra was confirmed stolen. A search of Murdock’s backpack revealed a loaded stolen handgun. Further checks showed that Murdock, a convicted felon, had methamphetamine. Stolen license plates and other property were found in the vehicle.
Murdock faces multiple charges including Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Arrest with Violence, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Firearm (two counts), Armed Burglary of a Conveyance (two counts), Grand Theft of Firearm (two counts), Grand Theft Auto (two counts), Grand Theft, Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance (five counts), Petit Theft, Criminal Mischief, Possession of Controlled Substance-Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Fraudulent Use of Credit Card, Unauthorized Use of Credit Card, and Possession of Stolen Credit Card.
Alderman is charged with Grand Theft Auto and Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance.
Both suspects are held at Orient Road Jail as the investigation continues.
