A Florida man’s alleged attempt to pull off a rooftop burglary at a Fort Myers gas station ended in a rather soggy arrest. Deputies say that in an attempt to get away from the cops, he jumped into a nearby pond.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the Super America Gas Station on Alico Road at approximately 3 a.m. on Wednesday after an employee monitoring surveillance cameras spotted a suspicious individual inside the closed business. Honestly, even if he wasn’t suspicious, he was definitely not supposed to be there after closing time.
When deputies arrived at the scene just minutes later, they quickly discovered that this was no ordinary burglary. Rather than searching the building from the ground, responding deputies launched a drone into the air to get a better look at the property. It didn’t take long for the technology to pay off.
The drone reportedly located the suspect still on the roof of the gas station, where he was allegedly hiding behind an air conditioning unit in an apparent attempt to avoid detection.
Suspect Jumps From Roof and Runs Straight Into Pond
Authorities said deputies repeatedly ordered the suspect to surrender, but those commands were allegedly ignored. Instead, investigators say the man decided to take a more dramatic route.
According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect jumped from the roof and took off on foot, eventually running directly into a nearby pond in an effort to evade capture. Unfortunately for him, the water did little to slow down deputies.
In a statement, Shariff Carmine Marceno said, “Criminals can run, hide, or even jump into a pond, but they will not escape the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Breaking into a gas station is not the way to make quick cash. It will only earn you a quick ride to the Marceno Motel and, in this case, a quick deportation.”
He Cut Through the Roof To Gain Access
After taking the suspect into custody, deputies searched him and allegedly discovered cash, cigarettes, and a saw blade inside his pockets. Investigators also recovered a bag left behind on the roof that reportedly contained additional cash, cigarettes, and stolen lottery tickets.
Detectives with the 4th Precinct Crime Sector later identified the suspect as Leonardo Cruz Pena. According to investigators, Cruz Pena allegedly used a Sawzall to cut a hole through the roof of the business to gain entry.
Once inside, detectives say he pried open multiple cash registers and stole cash, lottery tickets, cigarettes, and other merchandise from the store. Authorities believe Cruz Pena then climbed on top of a drink cooler and escaped back onto the roof through the same opening he had created.
The extent of the damage caused to the business was not immediately released.
Suspect Faces Multiple Charges Following Failed Escape
Following the investigation, Cruz Pena was charged with burglary, grand theft, criminal mischief, petit theft, and resisting an officer without violence. According to the sheriff’s office, Cruz Pena has a relatively limited criminal history that includes a prior DUI arrest.
However, officials noted that he is also being held on an active Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer, meaning his legal troubles could extend beyond the local criminal charges. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office did not indicate whether additional charges could be forthcoming as the investigation remains ongoing.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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