Christmas gifts discovered in stolen car in Cape Coral canal

CAPE CORAL, Fla. – One suspect is in jail after a stolen car full of stolen Christmas presents was recovered Friday from a canal near S.W. Second Terrace and Southwest 21st Avenue.

George Vochatzer said the gifts were taken from his Cape Coral home while children were asleep inside.

“We had the kids sleeping in the living room. Right next to the kids, just two feet away. Anything could’ve happened,” he said.

Vochatzer said two men stole presents, even helped themselves to food in the kitchen.

“They actually dug through our kitchen, ate some of our food, which I found really odd. Went through our garage, and then they found our presents in the car, the trunk and took em off,” he said.

The getaway vehicle discovered in the canal was not stolen from Vochatzer or Ashley Laferriere who also lives in the home. She tearfully called the burglary terrifying, but a stranger learned what happened and gave her $100.

“I really wanna say ‘Thank you’ to whoever came and gave us the money to try and get Christmas presents for the kids. Everything was taken and thank you, thank you so much,” she said. “Whoever you are, you’ve helped out a lot. Thank you.”

The Cape Coral Police Department is investigating the incident as burglary and grand theft auto, Lt. Dana Coston said. CCPD did not confirm how many other suspects are being considered.

The owner of the car has not yet been identified.