- January 19, 2025
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Three people, including a 16-year-old girl, have been linked to an Oct. 20 snatch-and-grab theft at a Palm Coast vape shop.
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Jaguar Smoke and Vape II located at 9 Palm Harbor Village Way on Oct. 20 after store employees told deputies that a juvenile stole a vape display containing approximately 65 vape pens valued at $649.35.
Deputies reviewed surveillance footage and observed a juvenile in a mask quickly approach the counter, grab an entire display of vape pens, and run out of the door heading east towards Island Walk.
Employees believed that the suspect came into the store a few days ago with a friend and stole a small amount of merchandise. Images of the suspect were shared across social media channels in an attempt to identify the juvenile.
On Oc. 21, the FCSO was made aware that a person was advertising the stolen merchandise for sale on SnapChat and was currently selling the vape pens in the Staples parking lot in Palm Coast.
Deputies made contact with two subjects, a 16-year-old girl and 20-year-old Jamel Brown, who both agreed to talk to deputies at the Palm Coast District Office.
Further investigation yielded a third subject, 19-year-old Nicholas Alo. All three subjects were interviewed by Deputy Burchfield and gave full confessions after being read their rights.
When the 16-year-old was taken into custody, she was found to be in possession of 39 nicotine vapor pens that were stolen from the Jaguar Smoke and Vape II store.
Alo confessed to having an additional six vapor pens in his bedroom and allowed law enforcement to collect them.
“Unfortunately for these subjects, they didn’t take into account that we would utilize security technology, social media, and other deputies to identify them,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “I am happy that we were able to return some of the stolen merchandise to the owner. I also thank the community for sending in your tips and reporting suspicious activity. Remember: If you see something, say something — which, as you can see from this case, really works.”
Charges are pending as the investigation continues.
