Media Relations Officer Kevin Kelshaw updated Historic City News this morning with information that the 23 year old man wanted in connection with yesterday afternoon’s theft of three weapons from Shooting Sports Pro Shop, has been arrested.
Lance Aaron Matolka who resides at 168 Greenfield Drive off Roberts Road in St. Johns, was charged with one count of burglary and three counts of grand theft of a firearm.
He was booked into the St. Johns County Detention Facility early this morning where he remains in lieu of bonds totaling $130,000.
The thefts were captured on video surveillance cameras; Historic City News published the photo of Matolka and his vehicle yesterday.
Following an investigative tip late Thursday evening, deputies went to Matolka’s residence where they located the vehicle seen in the surveillance video. A large capacity magazine, believed to fit the stolen rifle, as well as a black backpack matching the one captured on video could be plainly seen through the window.
Matolka was positively identified from a photo line-up by a witness at the gun shop.
Based on the evidence, a search warrant was obtained for Matolka’s home.
Sheriff’s Office SWAT team members served the warrant at 2:00 a.m. this morning. Matolka was located inside and secured by officers without incident.
Kelshaw told Historic City News that Matolka admitted the theft of the weapons from the gun shop and was arrested. Additional charges are pending further investigation.
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