Two Cape Coral youths face multiple felonies after they broke into a local business and stole multiple firearms and rounds of ammunition, police said in a press conference today.

Felix Ayala, 14, and his 11-year-old brother, have each been charged with 22 counts of grand theft of a firearm, one count of armed burglary, one count of criminal mischief over $1,000, one count of resisting without violence, grand theft, and possession of burglary tools. Felix also was charged with one count of violation of probation stemming from a Feb. 2, 2021 arrest where he was charged with burglary and robbery with weapon.

“This arrest was possible because of the quick response and apprehension of these criminals by our officers,” said CCPD Master Sergeant Julie Green. “Our detectives are actively linking these individuals to other crimes in the vicinity as well. The arrest prevented a possible critical incident that could have stemmed from these guns being in the wrong hands.”

Green said the brothers pried open the back door to Guns 4 Less on Del Prado Boulevard with burglary tools around 3 a.m. Wednesday morning. Police said they then smashed all of the cases and left with multiple handguns, ammunition, magazines, and long guns. Green said that due to the weight and number of guns and ammunition stolen, the pair dropped much of the stolen items and fled on foot in different directions. She noted Felix held onto an AR pistol while running from officers but later tossed the gun.

“Officers were able to locate both juveniles within close proximity to the crime location,” Green said.

In total, 22 guns were taken, along with ammunition, rounds, and magazines. All of the stolen items were accounted for and recovered, she said.

Green said the brothers had walked into the shop Tuesday afternoon, and were told to leave the store. They left without incident.

Green said Felix also was previously arrested for “making threats of harm with a weapon to another juvenile through social media.”

Green said the owner of Guns 4 Less was made aware of a break-in in progress via a security system that alerted her phone. She called police right away. She also was able to view the cameras inside of the store and could see two individuals burglarizing the shop.

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