TAMPA— File this one under "Hiding Places that Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time."

Deputies who arrived at 4004 W. Hamilton Avenue looking for Larry G. Puleo Thursday evening didn't see Puleo, who was wanted on outstanding warrants for violating probation, but they did hear someone scurrying around in the attic above them, according to the Hillsborough Sheriff's Office. Figuring it was Puleo they ordered him to surrender.

After an hour with no response, deputies searched the attic. It was empty. They discovered the only other possible way out was through an air conditioning duct in a bedroom closet leading into the attic.

Deputies cut a hole in the duct and discovered Puleo, 43, hiding inside. He was stuck and began pleading with the deputies to free him because he was freezing, according to the Sheriff's Office. Deputies cut a hole in the duct to free him and a Hillsborough County Fire Rescue crew took him to St. Joseph's Hospital, where he was treated for hypothermia and released.

Paleo, who was on probation for previous charges of heroin possession and introducing contraband into a detention center, was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail and charged with violating probation and resisting arrest without violence. He was being held without bail.

Jail records indicate he has some experience with duct work: His employer is listed as an air conditioning service company.

Contact Tony Marrero at tmarrero@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3374. Follow @tmarrerotimes.