Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested two men in connection with a widespread problem that was leaving many throughout the county with a flood of problems.
At around 3 a.m. May 18, BSO Oakland Park sergeant John Nash was on patrol in the 4500 block of N. Dixie Highway when he stumbled upon a location where a backflow valve had been stolen and water was gushing out. The sergeant noticed there wasn’t much water on the ground, so he figured the thieves must have just stolen the valve and could potentially be in the area. He conducted a search of the surrounding neighborhood and spotted two suspects in a white Grand Marquis exiting from a warehouse complex at 4700 N. Dixie Highway.
The sergeant observed the rear of the car was dripping water, had mud on the hood of the trunk and appeared to be holding excessive weight. Upon speaking with the two males the sergeant noticed they were both soaked and had mud on their legs. The men claimed they were returning from the beach. Sgt. Nash had reason to believe the men were lying and placed them under arrest.
A search of the vehicle revealed there was an ax and 26 backflow valves in the trunk and a canvass of the warehouse complex revealed five locations where water was spewing from broken pipes.
The suspects, John Martin, 29, and Gannon Wing, 20, admitted to stealing the valves. Each has been charged with loitering or prowling, but additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Detectives investigating similar thefts that occurred on May 18 in at least six jurisdictions in Broward and one in Palm Beach will be looking at the stolen items to determine if the suspects were the culprits in their cases.
- John Martin, 29, male, 3/17/82, 6341 NW 33 Way, Ft. Lauderdale (IN CUSTODY)
- Gannon Wing, 20, male, 8/03/90, 3792 Woodfield Ct., Coconut Creek (IN CUSTODY)
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