On October 23rd, 2024, around 3:13 AM, officers working for the Cape Coral Police Department responded to a home near Pelican Boulevard for a burglary in progress. The homeowner stated that they believed someone had broken into their garage and was shining a light inside.
Officers arrived on scene and established a perimeter. The suspect, later identified as Joel Tucker Willin (DOB 10/1/1991) exited the residence and upon being confronted took flight. Officers located a trail of items leading to a nearby canal where they observed Willin on the far side of the canal near the mangroves before losing sight of him. Officers deployed all available resources to include K-9, drones, and aviation. The suspect could not be located at the time.
Detectives from the Property Crimes Unit responded to the scene and launched an investigation. They located the suspect’s ski mask and headlamp, which Willin wore during the incident. Officers also found a large red shoe floating in the lake/canal near where the suspect had jumped in. A bicycle was located across the street from the burglarized residence. Detectives confirmed that the bike did not belong to the homeowner.
The investigation revealed that on the morning of the burglary, Willin was seen soaking wet in an area across the canal.
Further parts of the investigation led to Willin’s potential residence. Officers were able to locate and interview him. The investigation revealed that Joel Willin burglarized the homeowner’s residence by cutting out a screen and unlocking the door. Willin ransacked the garage, including the homeowner’s car, and stole over $750 worth of belongings. All items discovered near the scene were confirmed to be Willin’s, including the ski mask, headlamp, shoe, and bicycle.
Joel Willin was arrested and charged with the following:Â
–1 count in violation of F.S.S. 810.02(3a), Burglary of an occupied dwelling, unarmed
–1 count in violation of F.S.S. 810.02(4b), Burglary of unoccupied conveyanceÂ
–1 count in violation of F.S.S. 812.014(2)(c)(1), Grand Theft $750 or more but less than $5,000
–1 count in violation of F.S.S. 843.02, Resist Officer Without ViolenceÂ
Arrested: Joel Tucker Willin (W/M 10/01/1991)
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