BSO DETECTIVES WANT TO IDENTIFY VICTIMS OF BACKFLOW VALVE THEFTS
- BSO Case Number: PB12-06-02982 & PB12-07-01594
- PIO Number: 12-7-21
- Date: June and July 2012
- Place of Occurrence: Pompano Beach
- Jurisdiction: Pompano Beach
Victim(s):
- 1. Duke Realty, 2901 N.W. 27 Ave., Pompano Beach
- 2. Arizona Beverage, 2450 W. Copans Rd., Pompano Beach
Suspect(s):
- David Lawson, 48, 5/21/64, male, 619 N.W. 3 Ave., Hallandale Beach
Description of Incident:
After experiencing several backflow valve thefts, Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives in Pompano Beach discovered a significant number of the metal pieces at a scrap yard. The discovery led to the arrest of a Hallandale Beach man. Now, investigators hope to identify more victims.
BSO detectives said during the first two weeks of July, David Lawson sold approximately 200 lbs. of backflow valves to American Metal Recycles located at 1864 N.W. 22 St. in Pompano Beach. The brass fittings were identified as fire department backflow connections. So far, two victim businesses have been identified; Duke Realty and Arizona Beverage.
Lawson faces dealing in stolen property and grand theft charges. The metal thief was arrested July 16 and is currently being held at BSO’s main jail.
Detectives said theft of the metal devices makes the fire department sprinkler system inoperable, and if a fire had occurred, property or lives could have been lost.
If you believe you have been victimized by Lawson, then contact BSO Pompano Beach Det. Robert Rutkowski at (954) 786-4568.
INVESTIGATORS: CI Det. R. Rutkowski, Pompano Beach and Area 2 Sgt. R. Perez, Pompano Beach
THIS REPORT BY: Veda Coleman-Wright/PIO July 26, 2012 1115
