JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL – Police made multiple arrests early Sunday morning after a series of vehicle burglaries in the 300 block of 1st Street South, thanks to a quick response, K9 assistance, and help from victims and dispatchers.
Around 3:00 a.m. on January 11, officers were called to the area following reports of two males going through parked vehicles. Several units responded, including a K9 team, and officers quickly set up a perimeter. During the response, one individual matching the suspect description fled on foot but was safely taken into custody a short time later.
As officers continued searching the area, K9 Dex located discarded clothing that contained items later confirmed to have been stolen from nearby vehicles. Video footage provided by victims helped investigators identify additional suspects and confirmed that at least four vehicles had been burglarized.
Over the next several hours, officers canvassed the neighborhood and located several other individuals believed to be involved. One suspect was caught attempting to use a stolen credit card at a Starbucks. Additional stolen property was recovered and positively identified by victims.
Following the investigation, three people were arrested:
- Walter Johnson was charged with burglary of a conveyance, grand theft, resisting without violence, fraudulent use of a credit card, and petit theft. He was also later connected to a separate burglary at a Wendy’s.
- Malice Wheeler was charged with burglary of a conveyance, grand theft, and resisting without violence.
- Cornelius Scott was arrested on an outstanding warrant for petit theft.
Police credited the successful outcome to strong coordination between patrol officers, the K9 unit, dispatch, and assisting agencies. Dispatch support played a critical role, with PSCO II Georgeo monitoring city cameras, coordinating with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and providing detailed CAD updates while handling multiple active calls.
Officers also thanked the victims and witnesses whose information and video footage helped move the investigation forward and led to the arrests.
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