Deputies search for cellphone thief

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. – Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help in identifying a sneaky thief.

Lee County Sheriff’s deputies said a man was making a purchase at a Circle K store in the 1100 block of Homestead Road North, when a thief got away with the customer’s phone.

Deputies said it happened just before 2 a.m. Saturday. The man was reaching for his wallet, when he put his silver LG Metro PCS phone on the counter. The man then left without realizing he forgot his phone. When he returned to the store moments later, it was gone.

Deputies reviewed the store’s surveillance video, and found a man took the phone. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, wearing a black t-shirt with a skull type emblem and a black baseball hat with a skull emblem. Deputies believe the suspect left the convenience store in a white Chevrolet S-10 pick up truck.

“Although this wasn’t a premeditated crime, the suspect clearly capitalized on the victim’s mistake and made the choice to steal something that wasn’t his,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “Once the public can help identify him, he’ll realize that his bad decision will result in his mug shot being taken after he’s booked into the Lee County Jail.”

Anyone with information on the identity of the early morning thief is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.