Deputies Seeking Van, Suspects In Carjacking

Collier County Sheriff’s Office deputies are looking for two suspects and a 1997 Chrysler van connected with a carjacking Saturday in Golden Gate Estates.

The van is a red Town and Country and carries Florida license plate number I684RL. The passenger-side mirror is broken and is held in place with rubber bands.

Reports gave this account of what happened:

The victim was driving north on 3rd Street S.W. approaching Golden Gate Boulevard shortly before 7 p.m. Saturday when she noticed a man and woman standing on the side of the road with a gasoline can waving her over. The victim stopped the van and the couple told her they were out of gas. She agreed to help by driving them. They got in the van and asked her to take them to the fourth house on the left on 16th Avenue Northeast. When they arrived on 16th Avenue Northeast, the victim noticed that there was not a fourth house on the left, so she turned around. At that point the suspects ordered her to get out of the van and take her 2-year-old passenger with her.

The suspects left in the van. Also in the van were two iPhones and the victim’s purse. One of the iPhones was later recovered on Wilson Boulevard.

Suspect No. 1 is described as a black male between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing about 160 pounds. He appeared to be 35 to 45 years old. He was wearing a white tank top and gray pants or shorts.

Suspect No. 2 is described as a Hispanic female, 5 feet 1 inch to 5 feet 2 inches tall with a thin to medium build. She had dark hair, possibly wearing it in a bun. She appeared to be 25 to 35 years old. She was wearing a gray or white tank top and shorts. She was carrying a large purse.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239.252.9300, or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.780.8477.