Three teens charged with burglary, assault
A trio of juveniles were arrested in Cape Coral after police say they committed a burglary and assault at a local business.
A 16-year-old, as well as two 17-year-olds are facing charges stemming from an incident on Aug. 16.
According to Cape Coral Police Department officials, officers responded to a business in the Northeast Cape just after 5 a.m., where it was determined a burglary and theft had occurred during which the employees were assaulted.
CCPD officials said the department’s Violent Crimes Unit was provided with surveillance video that showed three males entered the business, with one of the males concealing an item, promising a verbal confrontation with the employees.
Police officials said the employees told the three juveniles to leave, and that they exited and stood outside of the front entrance, with one of the males passing all point of sale without paying for the concealed item.
“The three males then forced their way back into the business and physically attacked the two employees,” a CCPD release stated. “Surveillance video showed the employees being struck multiple times in the face with closed fists. Both employees had visible injuries consistent with the reported assault.”
The three juveniles fled the area in a black Chevrolet Equinox, which was observed just before 5:30 a.m. in the area, and officers attempted to stop the car using their emergency lights and sirens, but the driver failed to stop and fled from officers, according to CCPD officials.
“(The 16-year-old juvenile driver) drove the Chevrolet Equinox westbound in the eastbound lanes of Pine Island Road at speeds of approximately 90 mph,” CCPD’s release stated. “Multiple marked Cape Coral Police vehicles attempted to stop the vehicle with their emergency lights and sirens activated. (The driver) continued fleeing and reached speeds of approximately 100 mph.
“The suspect vehicle eventually stopped on NE Pine Island Road just east of Andalusia Boulevard. (All three juveniles) were detained. Officers observed (the driver) in the driver’s seat and in immediate control of the vehicle. The investigation determined that (the driver) had never been issued a valid driver’s license.”
CCPD officials said both employees who were assaulted positively identified all three juveniles involved in the incident. All three were arrested and transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.
Each of the juveniles were charged with two counts of burglary with assault or battery. The driver was also charged with fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer at a high speed, and not having a valid drivers license.
A petit theft charge was also given to the juvenile who left the store without paying for the stolen item.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com