ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Two St. Johns County men have been arrested in connection with several car burglaries, the theft of a motor vehicle and the theft of a firearm last month.
Deputies said their investigation began on July 8 when residents in the 100 block of Kings Manor Court reported their 2007 Ford was stolen at some point during the previous night. The victims told deputies that there was also damage to their 2013 Jeep Wrangler that was parked in the driveway. The damage appeared to be from a traffic crash, as the suspects struck the vehicle as they left the victim's property, deputies said.
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Deputies said a firearm was stolen from one of the vehicles.
They were able to identify the suspects as 22-year-old Austin Eckmark and 21-year-old Clyde Edwards Jr., both of St. Augustine.
Deputies said the found the suspects driving in the stolen Ford, and they said some witnesses came forward to report they saw Facebook posts of the suspects driving the stolen vehicle.
Deputies said one of the suspects admitted to involvement in the motor vehicle theft and the theft of the firearm. The 9mm firearm has not been recovered.
Deputies said a 16-year-old girl has also been identified as a suspect in the case, and charges are pending for her involvement in these incidents.
Deputies said additional charges are pending for the suspect or suspects in possession of the firearm.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Chris Hernandez at 904-209-3984 or Crime Stoppers 888-277-TIPS.