2 men accused of stealing from Putnam Co homes

Deputies say men stole components of air conditioning units, water heaters, electrical wiring

Putnam County Sheriff's Office booking photos of Jarvis Miller and Harvey Brown.

PALATKA, Fla. – Deputies say two men accused of breaking into and stealing from homes in Putnam County were arrested Thursday.

From Sept. 16 through Sept. 19, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office said deputies investigated five residential burglaries in the Rolling Hills area of Palatka.

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In every case, deputies said the offenders forced entry into the unoccupied homes by kicking through doors.

Once inside, the suspects, identified as 33-year-old Jarvis Miller and 32-year-old Harvey Brown, stole components of air conditioning units, water heaters and electrical wiring.

In two of the cases, the dismantling of the water heaters caused the flooding of the homes, which deputies said resulted in extensive damage.

The investigations revealed that the burglaries were likely related and unlikely to stop until the two were apprehended.

Deputies were in the process of conducting specialized patrols to stop the burglaries and identify the suspects when deputies said they received a little help from and alert and concerned citizen.

The citizen called the Sheriff's Office when she heard strange noises coming from a vacant home on Belmont Drive at 4:12 a.m. Thursday. Deputies quickly responded to the home and surrounded the area.

As the deputies approached the residence, PCSO said they discovered that Brown and Miller were in the progress of burglarizing the home. Brown and Miller fled the scene when they became aware of the deputies' presence, authorities said.

A foot chase ensued but officials said both suspects were caught by pursuing deputies and arrested.

Detectives were able to tie Brown and Miller to multiple burglaries in the area.

Brown was charged with burglary resulting in more than $1,000 in damage, grand theft and resisting arrest. Deputies said he is currently incarcerated in the Putnam County Jail on a bond of $10,512.

Miller was charged with burglary resulting in more than $1,000 in damage, grand theft, resisting arrest and violation of probation. He is being held on a bond of $10,980, deputies said.

Property Crimes Detectives are continuing their investigation to determine if Brown and Miller are responsible for additional crimes and if there are additional suspects. Deputies said additional charges are expected.