JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Three men have been arrested in connection with the theft of more than $13,000 worth of appliances from an under-construction apartment complex on Merrill Road last December, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO).
Authorities identified Donald Bartley, 36, and his uncle Bruce Bartley, 61, as two of the suspects. The pair arrived at the scene in a red sedan, while a third man, Melvin Jackson, 39, followed behind in a rental truck.
The suspects reportedly broke into the apartment units, loaded the truck with stolen appliances, and drove off.
JSO’s Specialized Property Crimes Unit worked with the rental company to locate the truck. It was found 13 miles away with the stolen items still inside.
As officers investigated the scene, the Bartleys returned in the same red sedan and attempted to flee. Police quickly stopped and arrested them.
All three suspects are now held in the Duval County Jail. In addition to the Merrill Road incident, Bruce Bartley faces additional burglary charges related to other residential construction site thefts dating back to 2022.
