Suspect arrested after string of car burglaries in Cape Coral

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — A 20-year-old Cape Coral man is facing multiple charges in connection with a series of vehicle burglaries spanning several months in Northeast Cape Coral.

Cape Coral Police arrested Koltin Burns after linking him to numerous vehicle break-ins in the area. The investigation began when officers responded to a burglary in progress in the 300-block of Northeast 18th Avenue at approximately 12:30 a.m. on March 20.

A homeowner reported receiving a notification from his surveillance cameras and observed a male wearing a blue hoodie and light gray sweatpants attempting to open the doors of three vehicles parked at his residence. All vehicles were locked, and no entry was made.

The suspect was then seen crossing the street, entering an unlocked vehicle, rummaging through it and leaving the area. The caller exited his home and observed the suspect going through another vehicle and placing items under his hoodie. When confronted, the suspect fled on foot.

A K9 unit and an unmanned aerial vehicle were deployed. The UAV operator observed a male matching the suspect's description enter the backyard of 417 Northeast 17th Place and go inside through a rear door.

Officers made contact at the residence with Burns, who was wearing only boxer shorts, had wet hair and matched the physical description of the suspect. A wet kayak with a fresh footprint was also located on the property.

Through the investigation, Property Crimes Detectives linked Burns to multiple vehicle burglaries in the Northeast 18th Avenue area. Reported stolen items included a wallet, credit cards and a designer purse.

Burns is currently facing nine counts of burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, one count of larceny, four counts of petit theft, one count of grand theft and one count of grand theft of a controlled substance. He remains in custody at the Lee County Jail.