Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Unit arrested a suspect in a vehicle burglary Monday evening – less than 16 hours after the crime was discovered and reported by the victim.
Charlotte County deputies responded to a business on the 2000 block of El Jobean Road on November 6th for a reported vehicle burglary. The victim reported a large amount of construction tools were missing from a work truck. The owner of the business was able to provide video surveillance of the suspect, who was observed on camera riding a bicycle with a makeshift trailer attached. The tools stolen were valued at over $1,500.
Detectives began an investigation, which included canvassing the neighborhood and speaking to potential witnesses. While in the area of Collingswood and Toledo Blade, detectives observed a male riding a bicycle. Both the male and the bicycle matched the suspect observed in the surveillance video. The male was identified as Timothy Roberge (DOB 6/12/77). Timothy reported he was homeless and lived in the area. Detectives determined that Timothy Roberge is a convicted felon and had failed to register as required by law. Prior to being placed under arrest for that charge, Timothy Roberge was searched. A syringe was located in his pants pocket, containing liquid that tested positive for Codeine. He was unable to provide a prescription for the codeine.
Detectives located and searched the camp in which Timothy Roberge was living, at which time all of the missing tools were located. The tools were secured under a tarp and covered by several palm fronds. A witness in the area also provided a statement linking Timothy Roberge to the concealment of the tools.
Timothy is charged with Burglary to a Conveyance Armed, Grand Theft more than $300 less than $5000, Concealing/Tampering with Evidence, Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Convicted Felon Fail to Register. He was transported to the Charlotte County Jail.
In Charlotte County, 58% of the vehicles burglarized in 2017 were unlocked. Help us reduce vehicle burglaries by removing valuables from sight and locking your doors to prevent crimes of opportunity.