In the past three days, two attempted business burglars have been apprehended by Indian River County Sheriff’s Deputies during or just after their crime. Early Saturday morning, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the CVS Pharmacy security team that the store located at 53rd Street and US Highway 1 was being broken into. The CVS security team advised that a white van with a ladder rack was seen fleeing from the location. Deputy Christian Mathisen observed the vehicle northbound on US Highway 1 and attempted to stop it. The white van fled from him and eventually crashed into a wooded area, where the driver, Jason Cripps (37) of Tennessee, was apprehended.
Last night, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office received a call that the El Torito store, 5085 45th Street, was being broken into. A passing newspaper carrier observed suspicious activity around the business. Deputies responded and located Ray Stacey (50) crawling out of the food service window, which had been pried open. Stacey had taken three packs of cigarettes from the business during the burglary.
Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar stated, “These two instances highlight the desperation of criminals during the holiday season. We are proud of our deputies for the great work they did in apprehending these men. We remind everyone to stay vigilant as the holidays draw nearer. Help us keep you safe this holiday season by locking your homes, vehicles, and arming your security systems.” Cripps is being held at the Indian River County Jail on $61,000 on charges of felony burglary of a structure, possession of burglary tools, criminal mischief and resisting arrest without violence. Stacey faces a first appearance hearing this morning on charges of felony burglary of a structure, theft, and criminal mischief.
