Investigators question 4th man in airport theft ring

TAMPA -- A fourth suspect wanted in connection with a theft ring at Tampa International Airport came to the airport police offices this afternoon.

"He's being interviewed now,"  airport police Chief Paul Sireci said shortly after 3 p.m.

Rene Omar Lopez, 29, of Tampa either had some valuables that were stolen from Continental Airline luggage "or he knew how to get these properties for other people,'' Sireci said.

Sireci said Lopez was being sought as part of an ongoing investigation into the thefts of cameras, cell phones, laptop computers and other valuables. The suspects worked for Delta Global Services, a baggage handling contractor, and were responsible for loading items on and off planes, Sireci said.

Three of the contractor's employees were arrested Friday.

"It was an operation that, 'My friend needs a cell phone so I'll find a cell phone for him,' " Sireci said.

--Times staff writer Bill Coats