Four Cape Coral teens are accused of burglarizing a vehicle in southwest Cape Coral, with plans to commit additional burglaries in the area.
At 4:45 a.m. Tuesday, Cape police responded to a report of a suspicious person in the 4900 block of Skyline Boulevard. Officers arrived and located two boys walking in the area who were dressed in all black. Two others fled the area on bicycles, riding through yards and disappearing in between homes.
Police made contact with the two boys, Richard E. Grey, 16, of 3018 S.W. 14th Court, and Austin J. Martin, 14, of 4615 S.W. Santa Barbara Place.
During questioning, the teens reportedly admitted that they were “car hopping,” along with the other two who had fled on bicycles.
Car hopping is street slang for committing vehicle burglaries, according to the police.
Officers reportedly observed several items on the ground near where they were standing, including change, cigarettes and a Fuji camera.
The two who had fled the area on bicycles, Ryan D. McCowen, 19, of 1129 S.W. 31st Terrace, and Marcel P. Young, 15, of 3403 S.W. 26th Place, were later located by officers a short distance away and also taken into custody.
Officers reviewed the photographs on the camera, which were of a house under construction. Police recognized the residence as one on Santa Barbara Boulevard and found out the name of the contractor working on the house.
According to officials, the owner of the camera was located and the victim told police that his work truck had been broken into overnight and his camera was stolen. The victim positively identified the Fuji camera as the one taken.
All four teens were charged with burglary of unoccupied conveyance, possess burglary tools with intent to use, larceny petit theft $100 to less than $300, use a two-way communication device to facilitate a crime and loitering or prowling.
McCowen remained at the Lee County Jail on $1,000 bond Wednesday.
Information was unable on the others due to their juvenile status.
McCowen has a court appearance scheduled July 19.