Couple Nabbed In String Of Storage Unit Thefts In Carrollwood

CARROLLWOOD, FL — Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office detectives positively identified and arrested a couple wanted for multiple burglaries and thefts.

Since Oct. 26, HSCO detectives had been looking for the burglars who entered Extra Space Storage, 8819 Anderson Road, and stole thousands of dollars' worth of computers, clothes, jewelry, household appliances and office equipment from multiple storage units.

Surveillance video showed the burglars driving away in a white cargo van.

On Wednesday at 8:45 p.m., deputies located a white Ford van and trailer that matched the vehicle description used in the burglary at Extra Space Storage.

When deputies attempted to stop the van at the corner of South Avenue and North Dale Mabry Highway, driver Justin Rodriguez fled south on North Dale Mabry. A sheriff's helicopter followed Rodriguez until he arrived at a home in Pinellas County. Following a brief foot pursuit, Rodriguez was apprehended by deputies. His wife, Desiree Alexandra Ramos, was found walking near the scene.

Detectives determined the van was the same one used in several thefts around Hillsborough County. Both the van and the attached trailer were impounded. Search warrants for each will be obtained.

Rodriguez admitted to committing multiple storage unit burglaries and trailer thefts, with Ramos present during the crimes. Rodriguez was arrested by the St. Petersburg Police Department for two active warrants unrelated to HCSO's investigation. More charges are pending against Rodriguez.

Ramos was arrested on grand theft charges by the St. Petersburg Police Department.

Rodriguez and Ramos both have criminal histories.