Watkins named Deputy of the Quarter
When patrons of a local gym were victimized by car burglaries last month, it was one of Lee County’s finest who made an arrest.
It was her diligent work that earned Lee County Sheriff’s Office Det. Crystal Watkins as the Deputy of the Quarter during the monthly North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Business Leader’s Luncheon at the Shell Factory’s Dolphin Room last week.
“This is excellent. I love that I was honored and recognized for it. It was a great collaboration of teamwork,” Watkins said, a member of the force since 2008.
According to the report sent to Sheriff Mike Scott by supervisor Sgt. Tracy Lazenby, two reports of car burglaries were reported at Fitness 1440 at the Weaver’s Corner Shopping Center. Two women reported their car windows had been smashed and their purses grabbed.
Watkins received an alert that numerous similar burglaries had occurred in other parking lots in Lee and Charlotte counties. The suspect was believed to be driving a white Volvo.
Watkins investigated and learned the victim’s checks had been used at various locations, including Target at The Forum. Watkins collected video and found the car in question driven by Raymond Eldridge, 65.
Without physical evidence to work with, Watkins did surveillance on Eldridge, who made check purchases at Target and Walmart using checks, according to police reports.
After walking out of Target, Eldridge reportedly went back inside and returned the items and received cash. Watkins learned the checks Eldridge used belonged to a woman from Cape Coral.
That woman had reported a car burglary where a suspect smashed out her car window and removed her purse, with checks inside, leading Watkins to believe Eldridge was the suspect.
Eldridge was stopped and found in possession of the woman’s checks and driver’s license. He was charged with the two North Fort Myers burglaries and sent to Lee County Jail, where he is being held on 11 felony charges.
A search of Eldridge’s home showed no additional property stolen. However, there were drugs and drug paraphernalia found, police said.
“She’s a very hard worker. I’m very proud of her and fortunate to have her as a part of my crew,” Lazenby said. “She went above and beyond in this case and it all came together.”