PUNTA GORDA — Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives arrested a 16-year-old male in connection with at least two of five home burglaries on Hilnick Drive, off Washington Loop Rod, east of Punta Gorda. Arrested was George Brice Stuck of the 4000 block of Michigan Drive, Punta Gorda. CCSO received a call Aug. 26 to a home on the 35800 block of Hilnick Drive. The owner had been away since April 29, and when he returned found his home had been broken into. A screen tent, homemade trailer, collectors coins, gold rings, CD/stereo, safe, push mower, Maytag washer, pressure washer, air compressor, outboard motor, trolling motor, riding mower, golf cart batteries, fishing equipment, wheel barrow, pump motors, and a large number of various tools, all valued at $3,800, had been stolen.

On Aug. 30, CCSO received a home burglary call to another dwelling in the same block of Hilnick Drive. The owner said he had been away for a week, and when he returned, numerous fishing rods and reels, a guitar, and six harmonicas were missing, valued at $370. The owner said entry was gained through a bedroom window. In the kitchen, the burglar helped himself to an Eggo waffle from the refrigerator, heated it in the toaster, and used Aunt Jemima syrup. The box, dirty dish, and silverware were found in the sink. On Aug. 31, deputies responded to another home on Hilnick Drive for a report of an open door. While on scene, a juvenile said he knew were some of the stolen items were located. Deputies responded to a home in the 35700 block of Washington Loop Road. In a wooded area behind the home, deputies located a screen tent, a guitar and several stolen items. Stuck reportedly had shown the boy some of the items. Detectives met with Stuck at his home nearby concerning the two burglaries and learned there were three more on Hilnick Drive that are still under investigation. More charges are expected to be filed. Stuck was arrested on two counts of armed burglary, and two counts of grand theft at this time. He was booked into the Charlotte County Jail and then transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice in Fort Myers, where he will remain for 21 days. If anyone has information about these or other home burglaries, please call the CCSO at 941-639-2101, or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).