Six men are now facing charges in connection with a string of car dealership burglaries in Citrus County.
Jatawn Barkley, 19, Cameron Williams, 18, and Roger Linton Clinton Jones Jr., 22, all of Orlando are facing multiple charges including felony grand theft, felony mischief and felony burglary charges.
Two 16-year-old's and a 17-year-old, all of Orlando, are also facing charges. ABC Action News is not naming them because they are juveniles.
According to a press release, at 3:52 a.m., the security alarm sounded at the Dodge dealership on Hwy 44 in Inverness.
While deputies were security checking a nearby business, they heard the alarm ringing, the release states. They immediately responded to the area and observed six men running through the parking lot of the dealership.
The suspects scattered on foot in different directions, deputies say.
This is when Deputy Evan Marshall was able to apprehend one suspect quickly as he ran across Hwy 44. Two other suspects crossed over Hwy 44 and over the fence into the Don Poss Roofing parking lot. Deputy Jon Ritli and his K9 partner Khaos were on their heels and both surrendered quickly, according to the release.
Several other K9 units and our Aviation unit were utilized to search for the remaining three men.
According to the Sheriff's Office, as patrol was widening their perimeter in the area, Deputy Ferguson observed three men, matching the clothing description of the suspects, walking on Colonade St. behind a storage facility.
The men were arrested.
"This is the third time in several months we have successfully arrested organized crime groups from outside our area," said Lt. John Novy.
"This was a coordinated effort between eastside patrol units, eastside community crimes detectives, aviation, and dispatch. Our dispatchers had our backs the entire time and really did and amazing job. I'm very proud to serve with these dedicated men and women."
Two stolen vehicles from previous robberies in Hernando and Polk counties were recovered in the area and will be taken into evidence, deputies say.
"A lot of crimes were just solved for other agencies," said Sheriff Jeff Dawsy. "This car dealership crime spree would have kept going, but it ended here in Citrus. I'm really proud of the work they did here today."
