On May 14th, 2024, around 11:30 PM, an Officer working for the Cape Coral Police Department was patrolling behind local businesses to suppress crime.
The Officer pulled around to the back of a Publix, where he observed two males loading blue pallets onto a trailer connected to a white pickup truck. Upon seeing the Officer, the males immediately stopped loading the pallets, got into their truck, and started driving off.
The Officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, which had no plate attached. The driver was identified as Nathan Avalos (DOB 04/09/2005). The driver stated he lost the tag to the trailer.
While talking to the driver, the male stated he was “fixing the pallets.” The Officer asked if they were his, and he said, “Yes.” Nathan Avalos finally stated the pallets were not his when asked again. He said he was taking the pallets to sell them and did not have permission from Publix.
The other male in the vehicle was a juvenile. He was charged with Loitering and Prowling.
In total, 34 blue pallets were stolen and loaded onto the trailer. The value of each pallet is estimated to be $25-$80.
Further interviews revealed that the males came from Immokalee. Nathan Avalos stated he sells the pallets to farmers in Immokalee for $2.50-$3 per pallet. Both parties acknowledged that this is not the first time they’ve gone to a business and stole pallets. They admitted that they stole pallets from a Walmart in Fort Myers earlier in the month. Parts of this investigation are still active and ongoing.
Nathan Avalos (H/M 04/09/2005) was arrested a charged with the following:Â
–1 count in violation of F.S.S. 856.021, Loitering and Prowling
 –1 count in violation of F.S.S. 812.014(2)(c)(1), Grand Theft
 –1 count in violation of F.S.S. 812.019(1), Dealing in Stolen Property
Arrested: Nathan Avalos (DOB 04/09/2005, 1003 South 1st Street, Immokalee, FL)
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