Naples, FL – Two Southwest Florida juveniles have been arrested after authorities say they turned a Target store into what investigators described as a dangerous playground by riding electric motorcycles through the aisles, damaging property and frightening customers.
The July 9 incident unfolded at the Target store on Tarpon Bay Boulevard in Naples, according to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said a group of juveniles first entered the store riding mobility scooters intended for customers. Deputies said the group crashed into store fixtures, played explicit music and made profane comments while disrupting shoppers.
After being removed from the store, several members of the group returned and escalated their behavior.
Burnouts inside and outside store
According to investigators, the juveniles rode their e-motos through the store and repeatedly drove in and out of the front entrance. Outside, deputies said they performed burnouts against the concrete posts near the entrance.
Authorities said the stunts left black tire marks on the store’s carpet and extensive damage to the concrete outside, resulting in an estimated $2,500 in property damage. Deputies also said the burnouts created heavy smoke near the entrance as customers were entering the store.
“These boys destroyed property, disrupted business and put shoppers at risk,” Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said. “This type of reckless and criminal behavior simply won’t be tolerated in our community. They now will be held accountable and face the consequences of their actions.”
Two juveniles arrested
Following an investigation, deputies interviewed the juveniles with their parents present on Monday.
Authorities arrested 16-year-old Collin Jeske of Bonita Springs and 12-year-old Gardner Little of Naples. Both were charged with felony criminal mischief involving property damage.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has not indicated whether additional members of the group could face charges.
