Lee County man caught stealing Mustang, crashes after high-speed chase

LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Authorities in Lee County have arrested a man with a lengthy criminal history for stealing a car.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office reported that 38-year-old Cesar Ruelas stole a 2016 Mustang from a driveway in San Carlos Park.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno of the Lee County Sheriff's Office explained how the theft occurred.

"A person pulls up into their driveway, leaves the vehicle running and unlocked, runs into their house to get some type of belongings, comes out the vehicle was stolen," said Marceno.

The suspect fled the scene and was later pursued by the Florida Highway Patrol.

"They initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle takes off. The suspect driving that vehicle is drunk and driving under the influence. He takes off at speeds of over 120 miles an hour," said Marceno.

The Mustang eventually crashed in North Fort Myers, and Ruelas fled on foot.

A deputy K9 handler tracked down Ruelas, leading to his arrest. Marceno described the incident as a crime of opportunity.

"This was the perfect storm. This was an intoxicated male walking by. He sees that opportunity, and the opportunity is what we can control, right? That person has the desire and the opportunity and the ability, right? But we can take away the opportunity," said Marceno.

Ruelas now faces multiple charges, including DUI, grand theft, hit and run, and fleeing from police.