Teens charged with burlarizing unmarked LCSO vehicle
Three teens, including two from Cape Coral, are accused of burglarizing an unmarked Lee County Sheriff’s Office vehicle and stealing five firearms, a Taser and other equipment.
James Mathis, 16, and Joe Parker, 17, both of the Cape, were each arrested and charged Sunday with burglary to a conveyance and grand theft of a law enforcement officer’s equipment, according to LCSO officials. Also, Dominic Cicchini, 14, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor.
“Detectives have recovered some of the stolen property and are continuing their search for the remaining property,” officials said in a prepared statement. “The investigation is still very active.”
At about 1 p.m., July 2, the LCSO responded to a report of a vehicle burglary at a Cape residence. According to officials, the targeted vehicle was a deputy’s unmarked law enforcement vehicle.
The deputy stated that he was taking out the trash when he noticed the rear passenger door of the vehicle was not latched and the trunk was ajar. Upon opening the trunk, he found that several items were missing, a police report said. The deputy last saw the vehicle locked at about 7 p.m., July 1.
The responding deputy observed the vehicle backed up to the garage door.
“No force or pry marks were observed on the vehicle and (the victim) further advised he still had the vehicle’s ignition key in his possession,” the report states.
The items reported stolen included a Glock 21 handgun, a Heckler & Koch MP5 and a Colt AR-15, along with a Taser X2 and two Glock 21 magazines – all equipment issued by the LCSO. In addition, a pair of handcuffs and a duty belt, with a drop holster and double magazine pouch, were also taken.
A Ruger LCP handgun and Glock 27 handgun, neither issued by the LCSO, were also stolen.
Officials reported that due to the nature of the crime, the responding deputy secured the scene as crime scene specialists responded. During an advanced processing of the vehicle, forced entry was found.
As of Tuesday, booking information for the three teens was unavailable.
“This crime was against all citizens of Lee County and we will not rest until everyone responsible is brought to justice and we have recovered all stolen items,” Undersheriff Carmine Marceno said.
The investigation is ongoing.