Suspects arrested in Charlotte County for thefts using stolen vehicle

www.newsbreak.com, Taylor Daugherty, January 12, 2025

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida — Two suspects were apprehended in Charlotte County while allegedly stealing marine equipment using a stolen vehicle, authorities said. On January 8, 2025, detectives from the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office were alerted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office about a stolen vehicle entering their jurisdiction from State Road 31 and the Lee County line. The vehicle, a white 2005 Ford E350 with a stolen Maryland plate, was linked to burglary cases in Hillsborough, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. Detectives tracked the vehicle west on Bermont Road toward Duncan Road and followed it to PG 17 Storage at 4432 Duncan Road. Aviation units were also deployed to monitor the vehicle. The suspects, identified as 46-year-old Michel Suarez Legon and 35-year-old Yoenys Trujillo Ruiz, were observed removing GPS units from boats in the storage lot, the sheriff's office reported. A perimeter was established, and a felony traffic stop was initiated as the vehicle approached the storage lot entrance. Both suspects surrendered and were taken into custody. An inventory of the vehicle revealed three stolen GPS units, 3.2 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and tools stolen from Hillsborough County. Additional items found in the vehicle are being verified as stolen, according to the sheriff's office. "This is a perfect example of how law enforcement sharing information and working together adds up to safer communities," said Sheriff Bill Prummell. "Because of the efforts of Hillsborough, Lee, Collier, and YOUR Charlotte County Sheriff's Offices, these criminals were caught in the act and arrested. "Michel Suarez Legon faces charges including burglary of an unoccupied conveyance unarmed, grand theft of a motor vehicle (x2), grand theft more than $750 but less than $5,000, trespass on property other than structure or conveyance (x2), possession or use of drug paraphernalia, and driving while license revoked (second offense or more). Yoenys Trujillo Ruiz is charged with burglary of an unoccupied conveyance unarmed, grand theft more than $750 but less than $5,000, possession of a controlled substance without prescription (methamphetamine), and possession or use of drug paraphernalia. These charges pertain to crimes committed in Charlotte County and do not include potential charges from other counties, the sheriff's office stated.

News Article: Suspects arrested in Charlotte County for thefts using stolen vehicle - NewsBreak