Men accused of renting cars, robbing homes along I-95 arrested

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Three men accused of breaking into homes along Interstate 95 in Brevard County were arrested last week after asking for directions.

Investigators said the suspects would drive from Martin County in rental cars and burglarize homes in Vero Beach, Palm Bay and Melbourne village.

Charles Hawkins, Cedric Oliphant and Cecil Ruffin are being held in the Brevard County Jail on burglary charges.

Police said the suspects were arrested shortly after asking for directions to a highway that was visible from the street where they parked.

The burglars targeted homes close to easy getaway routes, stealing PlayStation and Xbox consoles, large-screen televisions and jewelry, police said.

Palm Bay police believe the suspects grabbed a few items last month from a home on Haverford Lane.

"I'm surprised they caught them," said neighbor Ken Thoms. "They do what they're going to do. They jump on 95 or the turnpike and away they'd be gone."

The suspects were arrested in Martin County after they knocked on a door and asked the homeowner directions to I-95. The homeowner was suspicious, so he called deputies who arrested the suspects a short time later.

Police said they found pillowcases full of stolen items linked to recent thefts.

WFTV