CRIME

Deputies catch suspected car thief within an hour of reported theft

Flagler and St. Johns County deputies worked together to track the stolen car.

By Observer Staff
| 6:00 a.m. June 3, 2023

Palm Coast Observer
Crime

Flagler and St. Johns County Sheriff's Office deputies worked together to catch a suspected car thief less than an hour after the theft was reported on May 31.

“Due to the quick actions by deputies to identify a possible suspect and collaboration with SJSO and both Real Time Crime Centers, the victim was able to quickly get their car back,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said, according to an FCSO news release.

A Palm Coast resident had reported their car stolen after seeing the theft on a home security camera while at work, according to the news release.

The footage showed the thief enter the garage, remove the car's keys from a rack and drive off in the car.

Deputies identified a neighbor with a history of trespassing as a possible suspect, and, coordinating with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, tracked the stolen car into St. Johns County.

St. Johns County deputies found the car and the 19-year-old suspect, who is being held at the St. John’s County Jail on multiple charges.

Flagler Couty Sheriff Rick Staly commended deputies and encouraged residents to lock up their homes ad garage doors and keep keys in a safe place inside the house.