On January 16, 2019, around 4:00 AM, a Cape Coral Police officer was conducting an area check in the vicinity of 714 Burnt Store Road North (Seven Eleven).

While at that location, Officer I. Ross noticed a silver sports utility vehicle pull into the back parking lot of the Seven Eleven. The vehicle then pulled into an open car wash bay and shut its lights off. Two white males got out of the car and walked over to the convenience store where they remained for a few minutes.

Officer Ross watched as the same two males went back to the silver vehicle and started to retrieve items from inside. Both males grabbed backpacks from the vehicle and started to walk southbound through the Seven Eleven parking lot, away from the silver vehicle. Officer Ross approached the males in the marked Cape Coral Police patrol vehicle and they immediately started running through an open field.

Officer I. Ross was able to catch and detain the male that had been the driver of the vehicle, Dylan Espinoza (W/M, DOB: 09/10/1996, of 278 East 575 Drive, Leesburg, IN). The other male continued running in a neighborhood. A perimeter was established and a search began for the second male who is still on the run.

A record check of the vehicle did not show it as stolen. An officer went to the registered owner’s house to make contact and determine if they were aware of who had the vehicle. The victim was not aware that his vehicle had been stolen and last saw it at midnight. The vehicle had been left unlocked and the keys were left inside. The vehicle and stolen property were returned to the victim.

Investigation is ongoing in identifying and locating the second suspect.

Espinoza was charged with Motor Vehicle Theft and Resisting Arrest Without Violence. He was transferred to Lee County Jail.

ARRESTED: Dylan Espinoza, W/M, DOB: 09/10/1996, 278 East 575 Drive, Leesburg, IN.

CHARGES: Motor Vehicle Theft and Resisting Arrest Without Violence

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