Jacksonville, FL – Three men have been arrested in connection with the theft of over $13,000 worth of appliances from an apartment complex under construction on Merrill Road.
Melvin Jackson, 39, along with nephew-and-uncle duo Donald Bartley, 36, and Bruce Bartley, 61, were taken into custody after investigators tracked the stolen items to a rental truck 13 miles from the scene.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Bartleys arrived at the construction site in a red sedan while Jackson followed behind in the rental truck. The men loaded the truck with stoves, ranges, and dishwashers before driving off.
Detectives from the Specialized Property Crimes Unit coordinated with the rental company to locate the truck. While officers were securing the stolen appliances, the Bartleys returned in the red sedan but were apprehended before they could escape.
All three suspects are now held at Duval County Jail. Bruce Bartley faces additional charges for burglaries at homes under construction in 2022.
Authorities note that thefts like these increase costs for renters and homebuyers, as companies often pass along losses from stolen property.
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