Authorities reported that one suspect was apprehended while trying to use a stolen credit card at a Starbucks.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — On Sunday, three individuals were taken into custody in Jacksonville Beach after allegedly committing a series of car break-ins along 1st Street, as announced by the Jacksonville Beach Police Department on Tuesday.
According to a post shared on JBPD’s Facebook page, law enforcement was alerted to the 300 block of 1st Street South around 3 a.m. following reports of two individuals rummaging through parked vehicles.
Numerous police units, including a K-9 team, quickly responded and established a secure perimeter in the area.
During the police operation, one suspect fitting the given description attempted to flee but was apprehended shortly thereafter.
As the search continued, a K-9 unit uncovered discarded clothing containing items later identified as stolen from nearby cars. Surveillance footage provided by a victim was instrumental in identifying more suspects and confirmed that at least four vehicles had been targeted in the burglary spree.
Over the next several hours, officers searched the area and located several additional individuals believed to be involved in the string of burglaries, according to JBPD. One suspect was found reportedly attempting to use a stolen credit card at a Starbucks, as stolen property was recovered from them and positively identified by victims.
Following the investigation, the police department said these three men were arrested:
- Walter Johnson – Arrested on burglary of a conveyance, grand theft, resisting without violence, fraudulent use of a credit card, and petit theft charges. The police department said he was also later connected to a separate burglary at Wendy’s.
- Malice Wheeler – Arrested on burglary of a conveyance, grand theft, and resisting without violence charges
- Cornelius Scott – Arrested on an outstanding warrant for petit theft
“This case would not have come together as efficiently without the outstanding work from dispatch,” JBPD said in its Facebook post. “While managing multiple active calls, PSCO II Georgeo assisted officers by monitoring city cameras, coordinating with JSO, and sending detailed CAD summaries of each vehicle burglary. Her situational awareness and support played a key role in keeping officers informed and the investigation moving forward. Excellent teamwork by patrol, K9, dispatch, and assisting agencies. Thank you to the victims and witnesses who provided information and video that helped bring this case together.”
