SEBASTIAN — Police arrested a Tampa trio they described as theft ring members after locating more than $2,000 worth of stolen items – believed to be taken from stores county and statewide – in their vehicle, authorities said.
Sebastian police searched the 2002 beige Cadillac Sedan used by the suspects and found more than 230 stolen items, officers said. Some of the merchandise, including those taken from a local Walgreens, include various over the counter and children’s medication along with bug spray, energy drinks and deodorant, authorities said.
Police arrested Jonny Sanders, 59, Johneisha L. Jackson, 35, and Toccara Huff, 37, each on charges of grand theft, reports show. Huff and Jackson were held Wednesday at the Indian River County Jail on $7,500 bond.
Sanders – who had an active warrant out of Virginia for violating probation for numerous offenses including attempted capital murder – was being held without bond. Huff and Sanders both have active warrants out of Hillsborough County, jail records show.
Police responded to reports of a shoplifting about noon Tuesday at Walgreens, 9595 U.S. 1, Sebastian. The manager called law enforcement after spotting the three suspects steal the items, leave and then return to the store, reports show.
The trio stole $475 worth of merchandise from the Walgreens, police said. The manager and witnesses told responding officers they saw the suspects walk into a nearby restaurant.
Police went inside and detained Jackson and Huff, authorities said. A Sebastian K-9 officer and his dog tracked Sanders hiding in a tree 150 yards into the woods north of the Publix plaza, and detained him, officials said.
Police then searched the suspects’ vehicle in the Publix parking lot and found the stolen items and additional merchandise, authorities said.
The trio was arrested and taken to the county jail. All three have arraignments at 8:45 a.m. August 2, court records show.
Photos provided by Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and Sebastian Police Department
