UPDATE (11:00 AM)-- Crime Stoppers received several tips leading them to two young men wanted in connection with Monday morning's burglary and armed robbery.
Detectives with the Lee County Sheriff's Office's Violent Crimes Unit were able to identify and apprehended one of the young men last night. He has been charged with burglary, robbery with a weapon, and resisting an officer.
A second suspect has also been identified and a warrant is currently pending for his arrest.
It was a busy morning for two young men, who are wanted in connection with an armed robbery at a gas station, as well as an attempted burglary at a local business.
Their crime spree started around 1 a.m. Feb. 22, when the duo were caught on video smashing the front door of Larry's Jewelry and Pawn Shop, at 11430 S. Cleveland Ave. When the glass door shattered to pieces, the alarm went off and the two young suspects fled.
Just over an hour later, they turned up at the Wawa gas station, down the street at 12701 S. Cleveland Ave. After meandering around the store, reportedly acting suspiciously, the young men went behind the counter and started removing e-cigarettes from the display. When a cashier approached, one of the boys held up a hammer and told the woman to back off. The two then fled out the rear entrance of the store.
"We understand that these are young men; however, they have now committed two felony crimes, and upon their identification and arrests, they will be charged accordingly," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. "Just because they are young does not mean they are immune to facing the consequences of their actions."
Anyone with information on the identities and whereabouts of these suspects are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.comor on the P3Tips mobile app.
