Couple Arrested After Coconut Creek Burglary Leads to Multi-Agency Chase

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A Coconut Creek surveillance operation by the Broward Sheriff's Office led to a multi-agency pursuit into Miami-Dade County, ending with the arrest of a couple accused of burglarizing work vans and stealing thousands of dollars worth of tools.

Why it matters

Vehicle burglaries and tool thefts have been an ongoing issue in the Coconut Creek area, with significant financial impacts on local businesses and contractors. This case highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to apprehend suspected serial offenders.

The details

According to the arrest report, deputies observed Johnny Batista, 19, and his girlfriend Mayeli Tacoronte Perrote, 18, burglarize three work vans in Coconut Creek, stealing numerous high-value tools. The couple then fled southbound, leading authorities on a chase into Miami-Dade County. After a failed attempt to deploy a grappler device, the suspects eventually bailed out of the vehicle in Homestead, where Batista was later located by police. Numerous stolen tools were found in their vehicle.

• On February 15, deputies were conducting a surveillance operation in Coconut Creek.
• On February 15, deputies observed the suspects burglarize three work vans.
• On February 15, the suspects fled southbound, leading to a multi-agency pursuit into Miami-Dade County.

What’s next

Batista is being held on an out-of-state warrant from Texas and authorities there have indicated they intend to extradite him. The case remains under investigation.