Crime
Suspect Sought After Stolen ‘Turtle Patrol’ ATV Recovered, iPad Still Missing
Authorities in Florida say an ATV stolen last month from the nonprofit Flagler Turtle Patrol was found abandoned in a heavily wooded area, but investigators are still searching for a suspect.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said the camouflage ATV used by Flagler Turtle Patrol volunteers to monitor nesting sites on Flagler County Beaches was stolen on June 17. The thief broke into a shed at the nonprofit’s facility near Marineland on North Ocean Boulevard and took the ATV, along with a silver iPad.
On Monday, July 13, East Flagler Mosquito Control District (EFMCD) Technician John Dunlop spotted the distinctive ATV while working in a heavily wooded area near Marineland, and recognizing it, immediately contacted the sheriff’s office.
“Our field technicians spend much of every workday inspecting and treating known breeding sites throughout the District,” EFMCD said. “This work often takes them on foot into parts of Flagler few residents ever see. This time, it helped return a stolen vehicle to the volunteers that protect sea turtle nests along the coast.”
The sheriff’s office said crime scene technicians have “combed the ATV for evidence,” and detectives are still working to identify a suspect. While the ATV was found, the silver iPad stolen along with it was not.
“This is a perfect example of what happens when our community works together,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “We are incredibly grateful to our partners at the East Flagler Mosquito Control District who saw something and said something’ and now this critical piece of equipment is back where it belongs. Detectives are hard at work tracking down who took it. To the thief who thought they could get away with stealing from volunteers who protect our wildlife: we are following up on leads, and we have a room waiting for you at the Green Roof Inn.”
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information about the theft, the whereabouts of the missing iPad, or who may have been riding or hiding the ATV to call investigators at 386-313-4911 and reference case 26-60191.
