Arrest made in early-morning crime spree

An early-morning crime spree at St Augustine Beach on Wednesday has resulted in the arrest of an 18-year-old St Augustine resident who police tell Historic City News is responsible six vehicle burglaries, two stolen automobiles, grand theft, and fraudulent use of a credit card.

Arrested is Terrell Leon Powell Jr., who resides at 950 Duval Street in St Augustine. He was identified later in the day when he presented a credit card to Wal-Mart Stores on US-1 South that had been reported stolen from one of the vehicles. Video surveillance of the transaction was broadcast to law enforcement officers who were able to recognize Powell.

All of the burglaries and thefts occurred on Willow Drive in St Augustine Beach and were reportedly from unlocked vehicles or garages.

Officers with the St Augustine Beach Police Department and the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office are continuing the joint investigation. Detectives are still searching for a scooter, a 2002 Lexus RX 300, and other items reported missing from the victim’s vehicles.

The stolen vehicle which was recovered was located in the parking lot at 200 South Woodlawn Street. Powell was located inside an apartment at that address and was taken into custody without further incident.

Since October, Powell has been in and out of jail four times, not counting yesterday’s arrest. He is being held in custody at the St Johns County Detention Facility, without bond.