3 teens accused of vape store burglary and fleeing in stolen car

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)—Three Cape Coral teenagers were arrested after being accused of stealing a car, breaking into a business and fleeing from troopers.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office responded to a burglary at the Cloud Factory Smoke & Vape on McGregor Boulevard around 3:15 a.m. Tuesday.

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The store owner told dispatch he was watching three masked men on surveillance footage steal money and products from the store.

The suspects then fled in a black sedan. Analysts in LCSO's Real Time Intelligence Center utilized license plate readers to locate the vehicle fleeing back into Cape Coral.

LCSO deputies located and attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle continued to flee. Florida Highway Patrol troopers then initiated a pursuit, which led to the under-construction Festival Park in North Cape Coral.

The suspect vehicle got stuck, and the three teenagers took off on foot. Two of the suspects were located and apprehended by an LCSO K9.

The third suspect and driver was later found riding a bike in Cape Coral. During the investigation, it was learned that the vehicle had been stolen from the same street the trio lives on.

Inside the vehicle, detectives located face masks, various vape merchandise and black gloves. While being interviewed, the suspects admitted to planning the burglary days in advance as a way to "make quick cash" and stealing the car prior to the burglary.

"This case took multiple agencies across the county, and in the end, deputies, police and troopers worked together to piece it all together and build a strong case," said Sheriff Carmine Marceno.

The trio has been charged with burglary of an unoccupied structure, grand theft of property, criminal mischief and possession of burglary tools. FHP charged them with fleeing and eluding, resisting without violence and criminal trespass on a construction site.

Cape Coral Police Department had additional charges for grand theft auto and burglary of a conveyance. The arrest was made in collaboration with the Florida Highway Patrol and Cape Coral Police Department.

"These teens made a series of dangerous and reckless choices that put our community at risk. Thanks to the swift coordination between our deputies, the Florida Highway Patrol and the Cape Coral Police Department, they were quickly taken into custody before anyone was hurt," said Sheriff Marceno.