Authorities say the suspect is linked to a gas station theft and stolen vehicle case.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Lee County deputies arrested a man Tuesday after locating him naked inside an abandoned home while investigating a gas station theft and stolen vehicle case, officials said.
The suspect, identified as Carlos Javier Santana, 36, is accused of committing multiple crimes in a short span of time, beginning with a reported shoplifting incident and escalating into a residential burglary and vehicle theft. Authorities said the unusual circumstances surrounding his arrest added another layer to the case.
The investigation began when deputies were called to a Circle K store on San Carlos Boulevard. An employee reported that a man had taken drinks and cigarettes without paying and left the store. Video from the scene showed the suspect openly stating he would not pay before exiting the business.
Deputies soon discovered that the vehicle used to leave the gas station had been stolen. According to investigators, the suspect broke into an apartment at the Cascades at Clear Lakes complex earlier that morning while residents were asleep inside. Authorities said he took the victim’s keys and drove off in her SUV.
Law enforcement officers tracked the vehicle to the apartment complex and began piecing together the timeline. Officials said the theft of the vehicle significantly elevated the case from a misdemeanor shoplifting incident to a felony investigation involving burglary of an occupied dwelling.
Later in the day, deputies followed leads to a vacant home on Church Street. A K-9 unit was deployed to assist in the search. Inside the abandoned structure, deputies found Santana without clothing and took him into custody. Authorities said no injuries were reported during the arrest.
Investigators have not provided an explanation for why the suspect was found naked or how long he had been inside the abandoned home. Officials also have not said whether he attempted to evade arrest or if he entered the property after abandoning the stolen vehicle.
Santana now faces several charges, including burglary of a dwelling, petit theft, and grand theft auto. The sheriff’s office said the combination of offenses reflects the sequence of events that unfolded throughout the morning.
Residents in the area said the case underscores concerns about safety, particularly when crimes occur in residential complexes during overnight or early morning hours. Authorities reiterated the importance of securing homes and vehicles, though they did not indicate any fault on the part of the victim.
Officials continue to gather evidence, including surveillance footage and witness accounts, to establish a full timeline. Investigators are also reviewing whether the suspect may be connected to other incidents in the area.
The suspect remains in custody as the case proceeds, and authorities said additional details may be released as the investigation develops.
Author note: Last updated April 23, 2026.