Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying a stealthy thief whose crime was caught on camera.
Just before 2 a.m. this morning, January 24th, the victim made a purchase at the Circle K store, located at 1181 Homestead Road N. in Lehigh Acres. While he was reaching for his wallet, he placed his silver/grey LG Metro PCS phone, with a white case and black cover, on the counter. After paying for his purchase, he left the store, accidentally leaving his phone behind. Moments later, he realized that he forgot his phone and went back inside to retrieve it. However, neither the victim nor the store’s clerk could find it.
A review of the store’s surveillance system captured images of a Hispanic male, wearing a black t-shirt with a skull type emblem and a black baseball hat with a skull emblem, concealing the victim’s phone with his left arm until the clerk was away from the counter. The unknown Hispanic male then took the phone and placed it in his left pants pocket. After the Hispanic male paid for his items, he left southbound on Homestead Road in what is believed to be a white Chevrolet S-10 pick up truck.
“Although this wasn’t a premeditated crime, the suspect clearly capitalized on the victim’s mistake and made the choice to steal something that wasn’t his,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “Once the public can help identify him, he’ll realize that his bad decision will result in his mug shot being taken after he’s booked into the Lee County Jail.”
Anyone with information on the identity of the early morning thief is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.