Crime Stoppers seeks suspect in Lehigh Acres car theft

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. —

A hooded suspect is accused of breaking into a car parked in a driveway last week and driving off with it, leaving behind shattered glass and damage that neighbors say has rattled the community.

The theft happened early Friday along Jaguar Boulevard in Lehigh Acres.

Surveillance video shows a man in a hoodie approaching the vehicle and diving headfirst inside. Investigators say the suspect then reportedly hot-wired the car and drove away, leaving pieces of glass and part of a door handle scattered in the driveway.

The victim, who declined to appear on camera, said her husband later located the vehicle near the intersection of Augusta Street East and Columbus Boulevard South by activating the alarm using his key fob.

Neighbors say the incident is especially troubling because the same homeowners believe they were targeted earlier this year.

“Well, it’s sad. I feel bad for them and I hope they get justice,” said Mark Hannah, who lives on Jaguar Blvd. “There are a lot of good people out here, and this shouldn’t be happening.”

Authorities are now investigating whether the suspect may have intentionally targeted the same home more than once.

“There’s either got to be some kind of relationship, or it feels like the suspect knows the victim or has some kind of issue,” said Trish Routte with Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers. “There are lots of cars you could break into, but to come back at least twice and then take the car — that feels very intentional.”

Crime Stoppers is asking anyone who recognizes the person in the video to come forward.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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