A 15 year old male was arrested last week for a string of vehicle burglaries that occurred in the early morning hours of October 26th. Two vehicles were also stolen during the spree. Walker Clayton Gross (5/21/03), of Punta Gorda, was arrested on November 7th for his involvement in the thefts and burglaries. The investigation is still open as Detectives work to identify his accomplice in the thefts.
Deputies responded on October 26th to Mauritania Road in the Deep Creek area for a report of a stolen vehicle. The victim reported her 1999 white Ford Ranger was stolen from her property. Several burglaries to unlocked vehicles were also reported in the same area during the time frame of the theft.
On the same date, deputies received a call for a stolen vehicle that occurred on Tarpon Way in Punta Gorda. The victims in that case reported that their maroon Scion was stolen from their property during the evening or early morning hours.
Security footage from a residence in Deep Creek was posted to CCSO social media channels, leading to both vehicles being located by a witness on October 27th in the Ranchettes area of Punta Gorda. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Unit was able to process both vehicles. Detectives were able to use evidence collected to identify Walker Gross as a suspect. During an interview with his mother, sandals found in one of the stolen vehicles were identified as Walker’s. The sandals were labeled with his release date from a previous arrest.
Detectives responded to Walker’s residence, eventually making contact with him hiding in a neighbor’s garage. Walker was transported to a District office where he provided a statement. Walker was then transported to the county jail and charged with the following crimes:
- Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle (2 Counts)
- Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance (6 Counts)
- Grand Theft, $300-$5,000
- Petit Theft, <$100
Detectives are still seeking information on Walker’s accomplice. Both stolen vehicles are observed in operation on the surveillance video from the Deep Creek area. Anyone with information on this incident can contact the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers. Tips provided to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and also be eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest.
What evidence was collected to lead to Walker other than the sandals
We are holding that as part of the active investigation.