A man who left Timberridge Emergency Room without a shirt and against medical advice early Wednesday morning was arrested a short time later after he commandeered an unoccupied car in the parking lot of a neighboring medical facility.
Marion County sheriff’s deputies responded to Timberridge ER, located at 9521 SW State Hwy. 200, to assist Marion County Fire Rescue with a combative patient, later identified as Bobby Lynn Shears, 33, of North Port. Shortly after Shears was situated, the deputies were told he left the facility wearing blue jeans and no shirt – against medical advice – and was no longer receiving medical treatment.
A short time later, an employee at Timberridge Nursing and Rehab, 9848 S.W. 110th St., reported a suspicious person who matched Shears’ description walking through the rear parking lot and entering a black Toyota. By that time, he was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.
Deputies found Shears in the driver’s seat. The vehicle’s owner said the sweatshirt, valued at around $50, was kept in the trunk of the car. She also said a Boost energy drink, valued at $2, was consumed by Shears. The empty drink bottle was found in the back seat.
Shears was unable to provide a clear answer as to whether he wanted to speak to the deputies, so he was arrested and charged with vehicle burglary and petit theft. He was taken to the Marion County Jail, where he’s being held on $2,500 bond. His next appearance in Marion County Court is set for March 5.