Surveillance images capture the moment thieves rammed a tow truck into an SUV, and the business owner is hoping it leads detectives to the men responsible.
The owner of Lantern Motors in Fort Myers says the thieves caused about $50,000 in damages. A Mercedes SUV was parked horizontally, blocking the exit of the business. Surviellance video shows the men crashing into the SUV and leaving the vehicle in the road.
"They got in the vehicle, backed it right into the SUV, pushed it out into the street, and kept on going," said Leo Dibiasi.
The incident occurred on August 3rd around 3:30 a.m., Dibiasi believes the two men seen in surveillance videos had experience and knew exactly where to find the keys.
"Very bold! on the lot, didn't care. The surveillance cameras are really obvious," said Dibiasi.
Their lot is filled with luxury cars and economy models, but he thinks the crooks were after the tow truck.
"Came in looking specifically looking for that truck so maybe it's someone who looked at the truck in the past," said Dibiasi.
The hit-and-run burglary was the latest in a string of crimes at the dealership, according to Dibiasi. A 1997 Corvette, which sells for about $90,000, was pulled offline after vandals smashed the windshield.
"We had vandalism two days prior, and the corvette done the day after," said Dibiasi.
He doesn't know if the crimes are connected. , but he's hoping someone will recognize the car thieves.
Both men were wearing hats, and one was seen hitting his knee against a metal pole while trying to escape, so he may have a bruise.
"You know this makes a lot of noise at 3:30 in the morning but, of course, no one heard anything," said Dibiasi.
If you do hear something, he's offering $5,000 for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction. IF you can help, contact the Lee County Sheriff's Office.
"It hurts a small business owner." said Dibiasi.
