TAMPA, FL. (July 9, 2025) – – Tampa Police have arrested two men in relation to a string of auto thefts and burglaries stretching across Tampa and Pinellas County. 30-year-old Joshua Connor Murdock (white male, 5/24/1995), and 37-year-old Aaron Alderman (white male, 12/16/1987) were taken into custody following proactive patrol by officers.
The investigation revealed that Murdock and Alderman entered numerous vehicles, stealing various items. Murdock was captured on surveillance video on two separate occasions using stolen credit cards, with his distinct tattoos aiding in his identification.
On the evening of July 8, while conducting proactive patrols, Tampa Police officers observed Murdock and Alderman in a silver Hyundai Elantra with an unregistered tag in the rear parking lot of a hotel in the 4300 block of W. Spruce St. Officers quickly moved in to detain both occupants, at which time Murdock violently resisted arrest, striking an officer in the chest with his elbow. The officer was thankfully not injured, and both suspects were arrested.
A check on the Hyundai Elantra confirmed it was stolen. During a search of Murdock’s backpack, a loaded, stolen handgun was recovered. Further investigation revealed Murdock, a convicted felon, was also in possession of methamphetamine. Stolen license plates and additional stolen property were recovered from the vehicle.
Murdock was charged with Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Arrest with Violence, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Firearm (two counts), Armed Burglary of a Conveyance (two counts), Grand Theft of Firearm (two counts), Grand Theft Auto (two counts), Grand Theft, Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance (five counts), Petit Theft, Criminal Mischief, Possession of a Controlled Substance-Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Fraudulent Use of Credit Card, Unauthorized Use of Credit Card, and Possession of a Stolen Credit Card.
Alderman was charged with Grand Theft Auto and Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance.
Both suspects were transported to Orient Road Jail.
This remains an active investigation.