Man Arrested for Flaunting Stolen Mercedes-Benz on Social Media After Committing Car Break-ins
A Florida man finds himself behind bars for a series of car break-ins, capped off by his reckless decision to show off a stolen Mercedes-Benz on social media. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office reports that Nicholas Coffey, 23, was taken into custody following his involvement in multiple car thefts in the Deltona area.
Coffey and another suspect, both wearing disguises including face coverings and gloves, were captured on residential security cameras committing the break-ins. In a surprising twist, security footage from a Deltona gas station revealed Coffey’s arrival at the scene in a stolen Mercedes-Benz, which had been reported missing from Ormond Beach. The video showed him making a purchase while wearing a face covering and blue latex gloves.
The distinctive tattoos on Coffey’s face and neck helped a Volusia County detective identify him from images circulating in connection with the gas station footage. The detective, who was already investigating another case involving Coffey, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
Investigation into Coffey’s social media accounts provided further evidence, with photos showing him wearing the same clothing as seen in the gas station and security camera videos. His posts also included mentions of his “new” Mercedes-Benz.
License plate reader data confirmed the stolen vehicle’s presence on the streets where the car break-ins occurred, between 3 a.m. and 5:45 a.m. on a Saturday. The stolen car had been seen on five different Deltona streets during this time frame.
Coffey was taken into custody by Volusia County detectives and deputies in Daytona Beach at around 5 a.m. on a Sunday. Despite being seen in the videos, he did not admit to his crimes during questioning, the sheriff’s office disclosed.
Coffey now faces multiple charges, including 11 counts of conspiracy to commit burglary of a conveyance, one count of conspiracy to commit attempted burglary of a conveyance, fraudulent use of a credit card, and a probation violation due to his status as a convicted felon with a firearm.
While Coffey is in custody, the investigation continues, as law enforcement works to identify the second suspect involved in the car break-ins.