Man Arrested At Winter Haven Complex For Car Burglaries: Police

WINTER HAVEN, FL — Police arrested a 29-year-old man in Winter Haven on Sunday morning at an apartment complex on a burglary charge and theft, a police news release said.

Winter Haven police arrested Justin Watson after an apartment manager of Georgetown Apartments saw him searching in cars around 4:15 a.m. in the complex.

Police said video footage showed he tried to break into 55 cars on the property, and he managed to enter nine vehicles before officers arrested him.

The video showed that Watson wore a mask and gloves during the car burglaries, a police report said.

Authorities said they increased charges because Watson wore a mask during the crime, and that wearing a mask while committing a burglary allows for enhanced charges from misdemeanor to a felony.

"I applaud the manager for her keen eye and fast response to call us so our victims could receive their property back," said public safety director Charlie Bird in a news release. "The swift actions of our officers in locating Watson put him exactly where he belongs - behind bars."

According to the Winter Haven Police Department, Watson is charged with:

• Burglary, unoccupied conveyance unarmed
• Petit theft