FLAGLER COUNTY, Florida – A coordinated investigation involving the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Volusia Sheriff’s Office, and New Smyrna Beach Police Department has led to the arrest of a Palm Coast man accused of a string of forced-entry business burglaries across the region.
William Whitaker, 41, was taken into custody after investigators linked him to multiple break-ins between February 7 and 10. Authorities say the suspect followed a pattern of shattering glass doors, entering closed businesses, and stealing cash register drawers.
Flagler County Burglaries
In Flagler County, deputies investigated two commercial burglaries:
- A.L. Prime Gas in Bunnell was burglarized around 3:41 a.m. on February 9. Surveillance footage showed a suspect smashing the front glass door and stealing a cash register drawer and cash. Damage exceeded $1,000.
- Crystal Nail Salon in Palm Coast was targeted around 3:52 a.m. on February 10. Video showed the suspect breaking the glass door, reaching inside to unlock it, and taking the register drawer. Approximately $500 was reported stolen, with damage estimated at $1,000.
The Bunnell Police Department also investigated a similar burglary at Grace Beauty Supply in Bunnell. Investigators determined the method of entry and items stolen were consistent with the other incidents.
Surveillance and Arrest
Using information developed through the Flagler Sheriff’s Office Real Time Crime Center, detectives identified a suspect vehicle connected to the Flagler incidents and several in Volusia County.
On February 12, detectives coordinated surveillance as the vehicle traveled from Palm Coast into New Smyrna Beach. Whitaker was apprehended while allegedly attempting to break into ABC Liquor on State Road 44. Authorities say detectives heard sounds consistent with glass being struck and moved in before the suspect could gain entry or flee.
Officers found burglary tools on Whitaker, including a skeleton lock pick set and a mask. Damage to the store’s exterior window was estimated at more than $1,000.
Whitaker was arrested by New Smyrna Beach police for burglary of a structure with property damage and possession of burglary tools. He was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail.
Additional Charges and History
Flagler County detectives secured arrest warrants charging Whitaker with:
- Two counts of burglary of a structure causing damage over $1,000
- Two counts of criminal mischief ($1,000 or more)
- Two counts of felony petit theft
The burglary charges carry no bond, while the criminal mischief and theft charges total $10,000 in bond.
Sheriff Rick Staly praised the coordinated effort between agencies, saying investigators were able to quickly identify and stop the suspect before additional businesses were targeted.
According to authorities, Whitaker has an extensive criminal history in Florida, spanning multiple counties and including prior charges for burglary, grand theft, possession of burglary tools, battery, and fleeing law enforcement.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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