Since September 1, Pensacola Police officers have arrested 37 juveniles — some on multiple charges— in connection with more than 25 vehicle burglaries and attempted vehicle burglaries.
“In almost every incident, vehicle doors had been left unlocked,” said Detective Eric Hubley. “The number of vehicle burglaries being investigated would drop tremendously if people would just remember to lock their doors.”
Eight suspects were arrested Saturday and charged with loitering and prowling after they were seen trying to open vehicles in an apartment complex. Hubley said police were called Saturday night after a person saw the suspects pulling on vehicle handles and using flashlights to look into vehicles at Ashley Club Apartments, 2101 Scenic Highway. The suspects ranged in age from 14 to 18. Hubley said they weren’t charged with burglary because they didn’t enter any of the vehicles.
On Sunday, three juveniles — Jose Grady Polnitz, 13; Roderrick Ali Stallworth, 12; and Josea Williams, 11 — were charged with burglary after they were seen climbing onto the roof of Spencer Bibbs Elementary School. Two of the males entered the school via an unlocked window while the third acted as a “look out.”
And on September 8, three males also were arrested after they were seen trying to get into a vehicle in the 2500 block of Magnolia Avenue. Dekailen Dean, 14; Decorrious Hines, 16; and Jacquavious Savage, 14, were all charged with attempted burglary.
Also, on September 5, Pensacola Police officers also arrested seven suspects and charged them with vehicle burglaries that occurred in North Hill in the 1200 block of North A Street, on West Lloyd Street and in the 1300 block of North Palafox Street. Charged with burglary on September 5 were: Khristian Andrews, 15; Jaylen Boyd; 14; Jamound Bruster, 15; Clifford Knight, 15; Jakar Pritchett, 17; Deandre Walker, 14; and Demetrius Wilson, 14.
“Although the majority of burglaries and attempted burglaries have occurred at night, recent burglaries and attempts have occurred during daytime hours,” said Capt. Paul Kelly, who supervises the department’s Criminal Investigations Division. “We encourage everyone to keep a sharp eye on their neighbors’ houses and vehicles, and to call us if they see anyone acting suspiciously.”
