Florida strikes again, folks. This time, we’ve got a gym rat who took “working out” to a whole new criminal level. Meet Thomas C. Dean, the Florida Man who allegedly turned Planet Fitness into his personal shopping mall—except instead of protein shakes, he was swiping guns, debit cards, and probably someone’s pre-workout stash.
The Great Gym Heist
On a fine October afternoon, Dean rolled up to the Washington Planet Fitness in a white Ford Transit van with no license plates—because nothing says “totally not suspicious” like an unmarked van at a gym. He waltzed in carrying a white bag with a colorful design (because even criminals need aesthetic), scanned his membership pass like a law-abiding citizen, and headed straight for the men’s locker room.
A few minutes later, he emerged with the same bag—only now, it was way heavier. Why? Because it allegedly contained:
– A Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol (for those extra intense workouts?)
– Debit cards, IDs, and gift cards (gotta fuel those gains… and his gas tank)
– $40 in cash (probably stolen from someone who just wanted a post-workout smoothie)
The Aftermath: A Crime Spree Across States
The victim soon realized his backpack was missing and found it dumped in a changing room—along with another bag and random items scattered on the floor like a discount crime scene. Meanwhile, Dean allegedly used one of the stolen cards to buy gas at a Petro Mart (because even criminals need to stay mobile).
But here’s the kicker: Dean wasn’t just a one-time gym bandit. Oh no. This guy was on a multi-state crime spree, hitting Planet Fitness locations in Missouri, Ohio, and New York—because why limit yourself to one state’s worth of felonies?
In one case, he allegedly stole keys from a gym locker and used them to swipe a Jeep Grand Cherokee (because apparently, Planet Fitness memberships now come with a free carjacking bonus).
The Charges: Because Florida Man Can’t Help Himself
Dean is now facing felony charges for stealing a firearm and other items, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. He’s also:
– Wanted in multiple states (New York, Missouri, Iowa, Colorado, and even Alaska—because why not?)
– Considered an absconder from probation (shocking, we know)
– Holding driver’s licenses from both Florida and New York (because one ID just isn’t enough for a man of his… talents)
The Lesson Here?
If you see a guy at the gym with a suspiciously stylish bag and a van with no plates, maybe keep an eye on your locker. Or just work out at home. Because in Florida (and apparently several other states), even fitness centers aren’t safe from criminal masterminds who treat gym lockers like their own personal loot boxes.
Stay vigilant, folks. And maybe invest in a better lock.