Boca Raton, FL – On Wednesday, October 9th, Boca Raton Police investigated a residential burglary that occurred at 1243 SW 5th Street. A witness said they saw a Red Acura Integra leaving the area at about the same time. On Thursday, October, 10th, Boca Raton Police Tactical Team officers spotted a car matching the suspect vehicle description driving in the same neighborhood.
The driver of the car drove around multiple streets in the Southwest section of the city, making several U-turns and rolling through stop signs. At this point, officers initiated a traffic stop. As they approached the car, they saw marijuana in plain view on the driver and passenger floorboards, seats and center console. The two occupants were ordered out of the car and read their rights. Officers also observed gloves, a pry tool, two screw drivers and a saw.
The driver of the car, Christian Hernandez from Hialeah, told officers he was in the city to visit his friend Renaldo, but he forgot where he lived so he drove around looking for his house. He added that the tools were in his car because he is a mechanic. The passenger, Erick Ortega, also from Hialeah, said they were in the city to visit a friend Alex.
Both were charged with Loitering & Prowling, Possession of Burglary Tools and Possession of Marijuana. Ortega was also charged with Possession of Paraphernalia (pill bottle) and Violation of Probation after it was determined he was on probation for a Miami Dade for burglary.