OKEECHOBEE — Thieves have targeted the Basswood area, stealing cars and burglarizing vehicles over the past few weeks. Believing the thieves were local, Uniformed Patrol Corporal Richard Varnadore strategically placed surveillance in the area with assistance from our Criminal Investigations Units.

Shortly after midnight Saturday, two individuals were observed dressed in dark clothing, moving through the non-light areas through yards, checking door handles for unlocked vehicles.

The two individuals entered a yard, where Deven Carter (17) was watched as he opened a truck door, entered the truck, and attempted to start the vehicle. 

Units, fearing there might be a chase, intervened and took Carter into custody without incident. The other male fled the scene and was not located.

Deven Carter was found to have a small amount of marijuana upon arrest, which added to his charges. Upon questioning Deven, he stated that the other person who fled was a friend but refused to give him his name. 

Those charges are:  burglary to an unoccupied vehicle (felony),  grand theft auto (felony), loitering and prowling (misdemeanor), possession of marijuana under 20 grams (misdemeanor), and possession of drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor).

Carter was taken into custody and transported to Okeechobee County Jail without issues. He was booked and handed over to the Department of Juvenile Justice until his court hearing.