North Fort Myers, FL – Two teens were taken into custody early Tuesday morning following a high-speed chase and K9 pursuit after an alleged smoke shop burglary in North Fort Myers, authorities said.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 3:30 a.m. when deputies responded to a burglary at Papa’s Smoke Shop on Slater Road, where the owner reported a smashed front window and hundreds of dollars in stolen merchandise.
Deputies and Florida Highway Patrol later located the suspected vehicle, a silver Ford Escape, speeding on Bayshore Road with no headlights. The SUV reportedly ran multiple red lights, drove on the wrong side of the road, and reached speeds of about 85 mph.
State troopers initiated a PIT maneuver near Pine Island Road and Hibiscus Drive, bringing the vehicle to a stop. Both the driver and passenger allegedly fled on foot but were tracked down with the help of K9 handler Edward Hendricks and his K9 partner Barrett.
The driver, 17-year-old Robert Rodriguez Sanchez, was arrested and charged with fleeing and eluding, resisting arrest, reckless driving, grand theft auto, burglary, and driving without a license. The passenger, Joshua Oliveras (DOB: 05/22/2009), faces charges of grand theft auto, burglary, and obstruction.
Detectives say the suspects allegedly took a family member’s vehicle, drove to Cape Coral, stole another car, and then targeted the smoke shop. Sheriff Carmine Marceno credited teamwork with the Florida Highway Patrol for the successful apprehension.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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