One caught, one sought in four Ponte Vedra break-ins

One teen is in custody and another is sought after multiple car break-ins.

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office says 19-year-old Dherick Lockett, of Jacksonville, and an unknown suspect were walking around The Fountains apartments on A1A North just after midnight. A witness called deputies to the scene when he noticed the pair checking for unlocked vehicles.

We’ve learned at least four cars in the complex were tampered with, although SJSO says it’s unclear if anything was taken and the cars were not damaged.

Lockett was caught near the entrance of the complex and was taken in to custody without incident. He is charged with four counts of burglary to a conveyance. The Sheriff’s Office says more charges could be pending further investigation and the apprehension of the second suspect.

SJSO says the number of people leaving their vehicles unlocked in the county is a problem. In addition to making sure your doors are locked, you should also not leave any valuables in the car because SJSO says thieves can easily break windows to get in.