Crime & Safety
Dupree Lakes Auto Burglary Suspects Captured, Deputies Say
While three people have been arrested following auto burglaries in Dupree Lakes, deputies say thieves are targeting other subdivisions.
LAND O’ LAKES, FL — The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office says it’s rounded up all three people accused of breaking into cars in the Dupree Lakes subdivision last week. While the two suspects who initially avoided capture have been officially charged, deputies warn that other auto burglars remain active in the area.
The spree that led to the arrest of two people over the weekend took place on Dec. 7. According to the sheriff’s office, a resident spotted Jaylen Jibri Pung, 18, and two other people trying the handle on a vehicle parked in the 5700 block of Sweet William Terrace around 3:30 a.m. Dec. 7.
That witness, in turn, called deputies.
Find out what's happening in Land O' Lakesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The three ran when they saw deputies arrive in marked cruisers, an arrest report said. Deputies, however, were able to catch up with Pung. The other two men got away, the arrest report noted.
The trio reportedly managed to find six unlocked vehicles before deputies were alerted. All six were parked on Sweet William Terrace. Items stolen included loose change, gift cards and a Victoria’s Secret bag. Deputies noted finding a 9mm Beretta in Pung’s vehicle after they were given permission to search it.
Find out what's happening in Land O' Lakesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Deputies say they charged Khyle Durham, 18, in connection with the Dupree Lakes spree on Dec. 10. A 17-year-old boy was also charged. Patch is not releasing the name of the 17-year-old due to his age.
While the trio now faces charges, deputies say auto burglaries remain a concern throughout the community. On Saturday, a person in a dark-colored vehicle is accused of committing several auto burglaries in the Ballantrae subdivision before 5 a.m. Vehicles in the Oak Grove subdivision were also targeted over the weekend.
“Please remember to lock your doors and conceal anything of value,” the sheriff’s office urged in an email to media. “It is an easy way to prevent a crime of opportunity.”
Booking photos of Khyle Durham and Jaylen Jibri Pung courtesy of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
