Third Suspect In Volusia County Vehicle Burglary Spree Arrested

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Volusia County, FL - Update: 19-year-old Carmaine Givens, the third suspect wanted in a Volusia County burglary spree earlier this month, was arrested Saturday night, November 25, on a warrant by Daytona Beach police at the Volusia Mall. Earlier Reporting: Two young men have been arrested in connection with a car burglary and vehicle theft spree that has plagued Volusia County since October. Both Erik Smith, 20, and Markees Shine, 18, were arrested on Tuesday, November 14. Both have been charged with twelve car burglaries, three counts of grand theft auto, and grand theft firearm. Shine is also being charged with carrying a concealed firearm and carrying a firearm on school grounds. He was arrested at Seabreeze High School on Tuesday and had a stolen gun on him. Deputies are still looking for a third suspect, 19-year-old Carmaine Givens, in the vehicle burglary spree. Detectives think these three men are responsible for up to twenty vehicle burglaries and at least three stolen vehicles that spanned from Deltona to Ormond Beach. According to VCSO, the suspects even bragged about the crimes on social media and said they wouldn't be caught.

(Shown are suspects Carmaine Givens, front, and Markees Shine, who's holding a stolen SIG Sauer handgun)

(This post appeared on Carmaine Givens' Instagram account in which the suspects appear to brag about their criminal activity)

“I commend our detectives and deputies for their tireless work to catch these thugs,” Sheriff Mike Chitwood said. “They have put in hours and hours to track down the people responsible for these car breaks. And we expect more charges as the cases continue to be investigated.” VCSO says the suspects used stolen vehicles to search neighborhoods for unlocked vehicles, and sometimes they hit multiple addresses on a single street. The suspects allegedly stole wallets, purses, tools, money, credit cards, laptops, and even firearms. In most cases, the vehicles had been left unlocked. In some cases, the thieves burglarized a vehicle and found spare keys to another vehicle. VCSO urges residents to lock their vehicles and remove valuables, including vehicle keys, spare key sets, and garage door openers. “Help us help you. Be smart and don’t give these thieves the opportunity to steal your stuff,” Chitwood said.

(Erik Smith)

(Markees Shine)

Photos courtesy VCSO and mugshots courtesy the Volusia County Jail.

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