Within the past few days, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports related to burglarized and stolen vehicles. Reports said during this crime spree, 6 vehicles were stolen from residential neighborhoods as well as personal items from vehicle burglaries. Most of these crimes were off of Hwy 98 in Gulf Breeze through to the Navarre area. Five minors were charged with the crime.
Detectives and patrol deputies developed intelligence related to a group from Escambia County, actively involved in similar activities. Reports said three of the six vehicles which were stolen from Santa Rosa County were recovered in Escambia County and one was recovered locally.
Wednesday night deputies were on high alert waiting for more activity, said Rich Aloy, SRSO public information officer. Aloy said at approximately 1:30 a.m., Thursday, two vehicles, reported stolen were observed on Hwy 98 near Bergren Road by two patrol deputies. Aloy said deputies were discussing the case when the vehicles drove by their patrol car. Deputies also said caution was used as it was reported firearms were stolen in recent burglaries and subjects may be armed. Aloy said the vehicles were leaving Navarre and headed westbound back to the Gulf Breeze area. He said deputies followed the vehicles which pulled into a subdivision, however deputies attempted to make contact and the suspects ran.
Aloy said K-9 and additional deputies secured a perimeter and all suspects were located and subsequently arrested. A total of 5 suspects were arrested and the stolen vehicles were recovered. The suspects were between the ages of 13 and 17 from Escambia County. Aloy said this case is still active. Reports said the burglarized vehicles were all unlocked. The stolen vehicles were left with keys inside. “We are seeing increased activities of this nature. We urge residents to keep their vehicles locked and items secured,” said Aloy.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: SRSO: Arrests made in burglarized and stolen vehicles