Auto burglary suspects caught in the act

On Saturday, February 2, 2013 at approximately 5:30 pm, officers were dispatched to a report of an auto burglary that occurred at South Inlet Park, 1100 South Ocean Blvd. Although located in the city, the park is under the jurisdiction of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. While checking the area, a Boca Raton officer spotted a car matching the suspected vehicle in South Beach Park, located at 400 North Ocean Blvd.

The car was parked next to a black Nissan SUV and was occupied by someone in the driver’s seat, later identified as Eric Jones. The front passengers door was open and as soon as the driver saw the police officer, he started yelling “Five-O, Five-O it’s the police, let’s go.” As the driver was screaming this, a black male appeared from the side of the Nissan SUV and jumped into the car. As he approached the car, the officer ordered the driver to shut off the car and throw the keys out the window. The passenger jumped out of the vehicle and fled. A perimeter was quickly established by responding officers. Seconds later the passenger returned and got back into the car. Refusing the officers commands, the driver began revving the engine as if he was going to try to run the officer over and flee. Once again the passenger got out and fled but was quickly apprehended by another officer. Officers then placed the driver under arrest.

Once in custody both admitted they came to the park to burglarize vehicles. Heller told officers he makes money by breaking into cars then selling the merchandise on the street. Numerous stolen items were found in the car, including a GPS that was programmed to addresses of various parks throughout Palm Beach and Broward Counties. Both were charged with Loitering & Prowling, Possession of Marijuana, Dealing in Stolen Property, and Possession of Burglary Tools. The passenger, David Heller was also charged with violating probation.