CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — Three juveniles were arrested early Sunday following a series of vehicle burglaries in the Pine Ridge community, according to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded May 10 to multiple reports of vehicles being burglarized and immediately began canvassing the neighborhood. Surveillance footage collected from residents showed three individuals dressed in dark clothing and face coverings pulling on vehicle door handles.
In one video, investigators said a suspect appeared to be holding a firearm while looking into a parked vehicle.
During the investigation, deputies located a golf cart hidden in the woods behind a residence. Authorities said the golf cart matched information connected to earlier burglary reports.
K-9 Deputy Elias and his partner Kodak tracked from the golf cart to a nearby residence on the same street. Deputies contacted the homeowner, who cooperated with the investigation.
Inside the home, deputies located clothing matching items seen in surveillance footage, along with gloves and a backpack. Investigators also recovered a firearm and the key to the stolen golf cart.
Based on the evidence, deputies arrested Duncan McNeight, 15, Jeremy Anderson, 16, and Anthony Hines, 15. Each was charged with felony armed burglary.
Officials credited deputies and K-9 teams for quickly identifying leads and locating the suspects.
Authorities also reminded residents to lock vehicles and remove valuables to help prevent crimes of opportunity.