MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — A 15-year-old Stuart teen has been arrested in connection with a series of vehicle burglaries and auto thefts that targeted multiple Martin County communities over several weeks, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said residents in neighborhoods including Rocky Point, New Monrovia, Emerald Lakes and areas along Salvatori Road had been impacted by a pattern of burglaries and thefts that left many concerned about neighborhood safety.
The investigation led deputies and detectives to identify 15-year-old Malik Brivard as the suspect.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Brivard allegedly targeted Kia vehicles throughout the area, causing thousands of dollars in damage by destroying steering columns while attempting to steal the vehicles.
The arrest occurred after Martin County deputies responded to a report of a suspicious person in one of the affected neighborhoods. When deputies attempted to make contact, Brivard fled on foot, leading officers on a brief chase before he was apprehended.
During the investigation, detectives connected Brivard to numerous crimes across the county. Authorities said surveillance footage frequently showed the suspect dressed in dark clothing and attempting to conceal his identity while committing the offenses.
Brivard was charged with five counts of grand theft auto, eight counts of burglary and one count of grand theft.
After being booked into the Martin County Jail, he was transferred to the custody of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office credited the combined efforts of road patrol deputies and criminal investigations detectives for bringing the crime spree to an end.