ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – An off-duty Volusia County beach police officer was arrested Thursday after police said he stole a beach umbrella and $170 out of a woman's car.
Officers said Anthony Contino, 31, is charged with burglary of a conveyance and petit theft. He was arrested by officers from the Ormond Beach Police Department, which differs from the beach police.
Police said the burglary occurred around 11 p.m. on July 5 outside of the Pirana Grille restaurant in Ormond Beach.
In a 911 call, the victim said she saw a man robbing her car as she walked out of the restaurant, where she is a server. When she confronted the man, he ran to a black Nissan Frontier, which was later identified as belonging to Contino, according to officers.
The victim said she walked up to the window of the truck, which was having trouble starting, and confronted the driver.
"Can I just have my stuff back? I have your license plate number," the victim said.
The victim described the man as having a "dad bod," saying he "had a belly."
Officials said after being arrested, Contino told investigators the location of the missing umbrella and cash, which were recovered.
"We go to his house, meet up with his girlfriend. She said that he's not there, that he took her car because he has vehicle issues with his car. His car is there and is warm to the touch," Ormond Beach Police Officer Keith Walker said.
Contino's department, the Volusia County beach police, are county employees who focus solely on beach safety. County officials said the officers are armed. Contino's command staff was notified about his arrest.
"We're held to a high standard, this makes us all look bad and there's no defense I can give for his actions," Walker said.