A SWAT team raid on a Beachwalk home earlier this month led to the arrest of a local teen for a series of car thefts that netted guns and jewelry among other items.
The St. Johns Sheriff Property Crime Detectives unit began probing rampant vehicle thefts at the Elysian Apartment and Sentosa Beachwalk Apartment complexes in late June, the department said this week.
Residents reported jewelry, credit and debit cards, guns and other items being taken from their unlocked vehicles.
Police said that a group of teens were seen pulling door handles in the area near the Elysian Apartments in July. A deputy on patrol spotted the crew, but they managed to flee on foot.
Investigators later discovered that items purchased on one of the stolen cards were being delivered to various addresses — including one in Beachwalk. They also found social media posts featuring some of the suspects holding stolen guns.
A SWAT team raided a residence in Beachwalk on August 1 that had received deliveries of items purchased on some of the stolen credit cards.
A juvenile living at the home was arrested after detectives found pilfered goods — including a firearm.
The suspect was hit with armed burglary, grand theft of a firearm, possession of personal identification information, petit theft, criminal mischief, loitering and prowling, and resisting without violence.
“This is an active investigation and further charges are expected. If you believe you are a victim and have not reported to SJSO, please contact us at (904) 824-8304,” SJSO said in a release.
One Response
What about charges for leaving a gun in an unlocked vehicle? Isn’t that “Failure to secure a Fire arm”?