GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Ethan Van Young Jr., 33, was arrested on Monday for allegedly smashing the window of a car, stealing the owner’s wallet, and using her credit cards to purchase video game controllers.
The incident occurred around 8 a.m. on May 28 at the Shoppes at Thornebrooke (2441 NW 43rd Street) when the victim’s car window was shattered, and her wallet was taken. Roughly 45 minutes later, one of her stolen credit cards was used at a Walmart located at 5700 NW 23rd Street. Two video game controllers worth $166.37 were purchased. An attempt to buy two $400 gift cards was blocked by the bank.
Surveillance footage from the Walmart store captured the suspect, who wore a hoodie, and revealed a cross tattoo on his face. Just after 9 a.m., another of the stolen cards was used at a Dollar General on 145 NE 39th Avenue. A witness reported seeing the same suspect—who still had the cross tattoo on his forehead—arriving in a black Mercedes, which was later traced back to Young.
A warrant for Young’s arrest was issued on July 22, and he was taken into custody yesterday.
Young has been charged with burglary of an unoccupied vehicle, grand theft, and fraud. Despite having no prior criminal convictions, he faces active warrants for unlawful use of credit cards in both Iowa and Broward County. Judge Meshon Rawls set Young’s bail at $110,000.
