Targeted Jeep Parts. Surveillance. Nabbed. Also Targted Palm Beach International, Miami International.
BY: 24/7 CRIME DESK | BocaNewsNow.com
BROWARD COUNTY, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2023 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Cops say they nabbed a pair of Jeep thieves preying on vehicles parked at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport. More specifically, they targeted Jeep parts — actually removing headlights and grilles while the vehicles were parked in airport garages. Broward Sheriff’s Office Detectives set up shop in the parking garage and say they watched the men in the act — then followed them to Sawgrass Mills where they were arrested. BSO shared this update with BocaNewsNow.com.
“After a series of burglaries to Jeeps parked at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) over the past several months, the Broward Sheriff’s Office Burglary Apprehension Team (B.A.T.) and BSO Airport District detectives put an end to the crime spree on Saturday afternoon.
Detectives witnessed Jonathan Quintero and Diogenes Morel Martinez steal headlights and grills from two Jeep Wranglers parked in a long-term parking lot at FLL. Detectives monitored the pair as they left the airport and, a short time later, they tried to commit a similar crime at Sawgrass Mills Mall. At that point, detectives took the men into custody on charges including armed burglary, grand theft and possession of burglary tools. Detectives say both Quintero and Morel confessed to the crimes, and they were transported to the Broward Main Jail.
According to investigators, the suspects are believed to have stolen headlights and grills from dozens of Jeep vehicles parked at FLL, Miami International Airport and Palm Beach International Airport over the past few months. Detectives with Miami-Dade Police and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate incidents in their jurisdictions.”
It was not immediately clear what the men did with the lights and grilles, or why they immediately departed for Sawgrass Mills Mall. There was no indication from police that the men were accused of selling the parts in the area of the mall.
