Police sting nabs two bike thieves

Public Information Officer Mark Samson reported to Historic City News that detectives with the St. Augustine Police Department set up a successful “sting” operation near St. George Street Saturday night; in an attempt to curb the recent increase in bicycle thefts in the downtown area.

Shortly before midnight Detective Cecilia Aiple set up a “bait bicycle” — by 12:30 a.m., she observed 52 year-old George Christopher Quinn approach the bike and show interest. Quinn, who resides at 3775 Flamingo Street in St Augustine, sat down on a park bench nearby; checking out the bike and the surrounding area.

Quinn left and went to the corner of Hypolita Street and St. George Street where he met and had a conversation with 40 year-old Jeffery James Henderson; who resides at 70 Washington Street in St. Augustine.

Around 1:00 a.m., Quinn went back to the bike and took it; handing it off to Henderson, who rode away.

Officer Brian Johnson stopped Henderson, riding the stolen bicycle, on Hypolita Street.

Both Quinn and Henderson were arrested for Grand Theft of a $350.00 Trek Classic bicycle and both were transported to the St. Johns County Detention Facility on Lewis Speedway in St. Augustine — where they each remain in custody this morning in lieu of $2,500 bond.

Anyone with any information concerning this crime or who may know the identity of others involved involved is asked to contact detectives with the St. Augustine Police Department at (904) 209-3482. You can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward by calling CrimeStoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-(888) 277-TIPS.