HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Two men have been arrested in connection with a series of burglaries targeting businesses in the Fishhawk area of Hillsborough County.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation after a Pinch A Penny store on Fishhawk Boulevard was burglarized on February 20, 2025. A pool heater was stolen from behind the business, and surveillance footage showed a Nissan Pathfinder at the scene.
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On March 3rd, deputies responded to another burglary, this time at a Hungry Howies on Fishhawk Boulevard. A refrigerator unit had been stolen, and the same Nissan Pathfinder was again spotted on surveillance video.
That same night, Wayback Burgers in Fishhawk was also hit. Two male suspects were captured on video stealing aluminum chairs from the restaurant’s patio.
Detectives were able to connect the burglaries to 34-year-old Matthew Pierson and 33-year-old Jonathan Gray. The slab from the stolen Hungry Howie’s refrigerator unit was found at Pierson’s residence.
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Both men were arrested and face a slew of charges:
Pierson:
- Burglary of an Unoccupied Structure (x2)
- Felony Petit Theft
- Trespass in Unoccupied Structure or Conveyance
- Criminal Mischief
- Grand Theft Third Degree
- Dealing in Stolen Property
- Out of County Warrant: Violation of Probation
Gray:
- Grand Theft Third Degree
- Dealing in Stolen Property
“If you target businesses in our community, know this, we will investigate, and you will be caught,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “I am proud of the work of our dedicated detectives who work tirelessly to stop criminals in their tracks and hold them accountable.”
The investigation remains active.
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