July 1, 2022
Violent crimes garner the most attention. However, no one seems to pay any attention to burglaries or car thefts. These crimes often have a profound impact on the victim and their families. Add to this that children are the perpetrators and we now have your attention.
Levy County Sheriff’s Office began receiving calls from citizens in the Morriston area near the end of June. The citizens were reporting their vehicles were being stolen and/or broken into. The thieves were taking valuables or the entire vehicle, only to dump it after taking a joy ride. Most every time deputies located a stolen vehicle it had been damaged and required extensive repairs.
On June 28th the suspects were at it again and stole a Ford truck. An alert citizen recognized the theft in progress and called 911. Deputies and Detectives flooded the area and located the vehicle driven by the delinquents. A car chase ensued and they wrecked the vehicle. Thankfully no one was injured but the driver decided it was best to flee the scene and ran away into the woods. Detectives apprehended him after a short foot pursuit.
The driver, now identified as Rico Ridgeway (14 years old) from Williston faces numerous felony charges. During this investigation Rico was identified as a suspect in two additional grand theft auto incidents. Kaden McCurdy (16) of Williston also became a subject as Detectives determined he participated in other crimes being investigated by both the Levy County Sheriff’s Office and Williston Police Department.
Ridgeway is no stranger to our Detectives. He had been arrested just four day prior for another vehicle theft but was released from juvenile detention. Why, because car theft is not considered a violent crime. Ridgeway has six (6) pending cases in juvenile court, not counting his newest charges.
Detectives know this is not an isolated incident and that Ridgeway and McCurdy are not committing these crimes alone. LCSO Detectives worked alongside the Williston Police Department as Detectives furthered the investigation. As a result Williston Police Department Detectives solved seven (7) car burglaries reported in the City of Williston.
Since this crime spree began, Detectives have recovered five (5) stolen vehicles, suspect these two are involved in ten (10) additional car burglaries reported in the county and have been involved in two vehicle pursuits; all amongst other criminal acts. These cases are all active and are currently being investigated. Detectives are seeking assistance and request anyone who has information to please call us. Detective Ryan Sullivan is the lead investigator and can be reached at (352) 486-5111 ext. 360. Those who wish to provide a tip but want to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477. You could be eligible to receive a cash reward.