Deputies uncover stash of stolen items in Spring Hill, suspect still at large

Hernando deputies uncovered a stash of stolen items while investigating a burglary in Spring Hill on Saturday, authorities said.

Deputies arrested a 15-year-old boy and are looking for Daniel Zirk, 18, in connection with several burglaries, according to a release from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded a burglary in the 1400 block of Apollo Lane in Spring Hill where several bottles of liquor and several cans of beer were stolen from a refrigerator in the garage, the report said.

Zirk was identified as a suspect and when deputies went to his home at 8388 Dorsey Street, he fled out of a rear door and jumped over fences, deputies said.

Deputies went in the home to check for other suspects and found the 15-year-old hiding in a shower in the master bedroom, the report said. They also saw several articles of jewelry, a yellow bicycle and several GPS units. There was drug paraphernalia in the living room, the report said.

The juvenile told deputies that he and Zirk were responsible for stealing the liquor and beer and showed them where they could find it, according to the report.

After further questioning, the juvenile told deputies he was involved in several other residential and vehicle burglaries with Zirk over several weeks, including an attempted burglary at Freedom Field on Oct. 4, deputies said. The pair stole loose change, jewelry, shoes and two firearms during the burglaries, deputies said.

Deputies got a search warrant for the Dorsey Street address and found stolen property including 6 bicycles, 4 GPS units, liquor bottles, medication bottles, sneakers and a .38 caliber revolver, according to the report.

If anyone has information about the whereabouts of Zirk, call (352) 754-6830 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-8477 or visit www.hernandosheriff.org/tips.