Two Central Florida men are facing a slew of charges after being apprehended Tuesday by St. Cloud Police for allegedly stealing appliances from multiple homes under construction in the city.
Orlando resident Gabriel Sarmiento, 26, and Kissimmee resident John Michael Torres Colon, 24, were arrested following a tip from a vigilant resident in the Live Oak Lake community.
According to police reports, officers responded to a call regarding suspicious activity in the neighborhood, located off U.S. 192 east of Narcoossee Road. Upon arrival, they spotted Sarmiento and Torres Colon operating separately in a moving truck and a sedan.
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The situation quickly escalated when the suspects reportedly attempted to evade law enforcement. However, their efforts proved futile as they drove down a dead-end street, allowing officers to successfully conduct a stop.
A subsequent search of the rental truck yielded a significant haul of home appliances, including ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators. These items were later identified as missing from nearby properties that were under construction. Further investigation revealed that the rental truck itself had been reported stolen. Adding to the gravity of the situation, police also discovered illegal narcotics and a handgun inside the vehicle.
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As a result of their alleged actions, Sarmiento and Torres Colon are now facing a multitude of felony and misdemeanor charges. These include burglary to an unoccupied dwelling, grand theft, trespass on a construction site, criminal mischief, grand theft auto, and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
“These acts have no business in our community and will not be tolerated,” Chief Goerke stated. “Criminals who think St. Cloud will offer an easy score are sorely mistaken, and we will use all resources to bring them swiftly to justice.”
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