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Eustis, FL
– On January 20, 2012,
the Eustis Police Department announced a significant increase in the number of
reported thefts of air conditioning units since November 2011.
On January 24, 2012, while on patrol,
Officer Levi Burns, Eustis Police Department, observed an older model White Jeep
Cherokee matching the description of a vehicle possibly involved in the air
conditioning thefts. Officer Burns conducted a traffic stop upon obtaining
probable cause and identified the occupants as Ronnie Merchant and Joseph
Belviso. Detective Sergeant Dave Carney responded to the traffic stop at
the request of Officer Burns and his findings. Detective Carney stated that
during the course of his investigation, several key elements of evidence were
acquired, including physical evidence and disparities in the suspect’s
statements, which led to their arrest. The suspects were charged with
Attempted Burglary to an Unoccupied Dwelling and Grand Theft in addition to
Criminal Mischief and Possession of Burglary Tools.
The public is asked to contact the
Eustis Police Department if they recall any incidents around vacant businesses
or residences that involved an older model White Jeep Cherokee or suspicious
persons. The Eustis Police Department further asks that the public continue to
be observant when any air conditioning unit is being removed from a property and
there is no evidence the unit is being replaced or serviced by an authorized
technician.
Whether day or night, the public is
encouraged to call as soon as possible when they observe any suspicious activity
and report what they observe around our area businesses and homes. To report
suspicious activity within the City of Eustis, residents can contact the Eustis
Police Department at (352) 357-4121.
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