PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WFLA) — A convicted felon reportedly tried to escape from deputies through a drainage pipe Friday after he was caught loading a stolen chainsaw and other lawn supplies into his truck.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said deputies received a call from a homeowner that day who told them he had just chased a thief out of his garage.

Before he was spotted, the suspect, later identified as 52-year-old Thomas Maldonado, had reportedly managed to take the victim’s chainsaw, weed eater, and leaf blower and load them into his light gray Toyota Tundra.

Officials said the homeowner was able to note the license plate number on the truck as he was chasing Maldonado. He also provided a description of the alleged thief, stating that the man was of a medium build and had a bald head.

A deputy in the area spotted a vehicle and driver matching the description on Midway Boulevard. Authorities said Maldonado immediately got out of the truck and started running after the deputy activated his emergency lights.

Deputies then swarmed the area, and a helicopter crew was deployed to search for Maldonado. Officials said it wasn’t long before the crew spotted Maldonado laying between a wooded area and a small waterway.

(Credit: Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office)

The pilot directed deputies to the location, but after seeing the helicopter, Maldonado reportedly crawled into a drainage culvert. As he exited the other side, which came out onto Kings Highway, more deputies were waiting to take him into custody.

Maldonado was arrested and charged with the following:

  • Burglary of an occupied dwelling (Felony)
  • Grand theft more than $300 but less than $5,000 (Felony)
  • Fleeing or attempting to elude (Felony)
  • Resisting officer without violence
  • Knowingly driving while license revoked
  • Violation of probation

In addition to those charges, Maldonado was served with a warrant out of DeSoto County for violation of probation, the sheriff’s office said. He was booked into the Charlotte County Jail without bond.

“This individual was brazen enough to commit these crimes in broad daylight with the homeowner present. He clearly has no regard for the law, and his actions show that he belongs behind bars,” Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said. “As we enter the holiday season, it is a time to be thankful for what we have — and we should not have to look over our shoulder to make sure what we have is still there and not taken by someone who did not earn it.”