Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Ethan Van Young Jr., 33, was taken into custody yesterday following accusations of shattering a car window, stealing a wallet, and utilizing the victim’s credit cards to purchase video game controllers.
At approximately 8 a.m. on May 28, while parked at Shoppes at Thornebrooke (2441 NW 43rd Street), the victim’s car had its window broken, and her wallet along with credit cards were stolen. Roughly 45 minutes later, one of these cards was used at the northwest Walmart (5700 NW 23rd Street) to buy two video game controllers for $166.37. Attempts were made to purchase two $400 gift cards, but the bank declined the transaction.
The suspect exited Walmart, got into a black Mercedes, and departed; a Gainesville Police Department officer mentioned that the vehicle is associated with Young.
The suspect wore a hoodie in Walmart, but a camera caught a view of his face that showed a cross tattoo on his face.
Around 9:10 a.m., another card was utilized at Dollar General (145 NE 39th Avenue), with the suspect wearing the same attire and using the same car. A witness noted that the suspect had a cross tattoo on his forehead.
A warrant for Young’s arrest was issued on July 22, and he was arrested yesterday.
Young faces charges of burglary of an unoccupied vehicle, grand theft, and fraud. Although he has no prior convictions, he does have warrants from Iowa and Broward County related to unlawful credit card use. Judge Meshon Rawls has set his bail at $110,000.
Arrest articles are based on information from law enforcement agencies. The charges mentioned originate from the arrest report and/or court documents and remain allegations. All individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a legal setting.
