Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives on St. Croix arrested 29-year-old Benigno Ortiz Diaz Friday after an “All Points Bulletin” was released on a stolen jeep, which he was driving. Several items that had reportedly been stolen last week from other burglaries were also found inside the vehicle with Diaz.
Police said that on Jan. 27, they were called to investigate a burglary in Estate Clairmont involving a stolen red four-door Jeep Cherokee. Diaz was allegedly driving the stolen vehicle in Estate Glynn when he was arrested Friday.
According to police, the license plates had been switched on the Jeep; however, the original plates were inside the vehicle. After the Jeep was confiscated, police discovered several items that had been reported stolen during burglaries between Jan. 27, and Feb. 3, on the north and east ends of St. Croix.
Items recovered include: medicine, flashlights, CDs, DVDs, deodorants, perfumes, baby wipes, phone chargers, toilet paper, bleach, men’s clothing, ,and other assorted household items. Police said no jewelry or electronics were found.
Diaz was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, possession of stolen property, grand larceny, and illegal transfer of license plates. He was placed on a $10,000 bail and remanded to the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility pending further court action.
Police notified residents to contact them to recover items possibly stolen during burglaries that occurred on the north and east end of St. Croix between Jan. 27, and Feb. 3. To claim items contact detectives at 712-6077 or 712-6037.
