Thief targets occupied car for late night burglary

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla.- Authorities are searching for a man suspected of breaking into a parked, occupied car, and stealing a briefcase from the trunk.

The victim pulled up to the Race Trac, located on the 5500 block of Lee Boulevard around 11 p.m. on Tuesday, and left his teenage son in the car while the driver went inside.

When the father returned, his son told him that a man pulled up behind his car and opened, then shut, the trunk before taking off.  When the driver inspected the trunk, he immediately realized that his briefcase had been stolen.

Surveillance video from the store, shows a dark blue or black Chrysler 300 next to the victim’s car. When the victim entered the store, the driver of the Chrysler backed up and started to drive away, then stopped and backed up behind the victim’s car.

Video shows the Chrysler’s drivers side door open, with someone getting out and opening the victim’s trunk.  Seconds later, the unknown suspect shut the trunk door and left the parking lot.

Also caught on video was the driver of the Chrysler, who entered, and left, the Race Trac store shortly before the victim arrived.

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect/driver of the Chrysler 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.