A Naples man was arrested Tuesday, accused of breaking into several homes, and stealing everything from guns to jewelry. Jeff Haynes, 19, faces multiple charges ranging from burglary to grand theft.
According to reports from the Collier County Sheriff's Office, the owner of a home on 19th Street Northwest in Golden Gate Estates came home on November 27 to find that his house had been ransacked. Two of his handguns were gone, along with rings and other jewelry.
Deputies believe Haynes broke into that home, as well as another home on Frederick Street on Monday. The owner of that home told police that several of his guns were missing, as well as two guitars and a $3,000 watch, plus other items.
"It seems to me that based on what I know about it, that person was familiar with what was inside the house," said Vern Hammett, a neighbor who lives on Frederick Street.
Then on Tuesday, a Collier County deputy received information that a stolen Hyundai Accent - linked to the recent home break-ins - may be in the Golden Gate Estates area. The deputy spotted it at a gas station at Wilson and Golden Gate Boulevard.
After waiting for back-up, deputies pulled the Hyundai over after it left the gas station, and reported seeing multiple guns inside. They said that the driver, Haynes, confessed to stealing the car in Vero Beach.
Haynes now faces charges including burglary while armed, and grand theft auto.
