Joseph Beams

Deputies Saturday said they have arrested a man they say is responsible for the theft of 15 air conditioning units, and possibly more.

Joseph Beams, 17, of 3907 33rd Street SW, Lehigh Acres, has been charged with 15 counts each of grand theft and criminal mischief.

Detectives on Friday from the Bravo District Criminal Investigative Division were working a burglary and theft operation due to recent reports of numerous air conditioning thefts. While working the operation, detectives began observing a suspicious vehicle behind 2950 Winkler Ave. Detectives set up surveillance on the property, authorities said.

Detectives said they could hear what they believed to be a cordless drill near the building. A male, later identified as Joseph Beams, was seen near multiple air conditioning units before he left the area.

Approximately one hour later, Beams returned to the business and began to load the cut air conditioning components (copper coils) into the bed of his white Ford F-150 pick up truck, investigators said. Detectives and deputies converged on Beams as he loaded a copper coil into the bed of his truck, according to authorities. There were 15 separate air conditioners dismantled with the copper coils removed, they said.

Beams was arrested on the spot. The investigation continues as detectives look into whether Beams is involved in other air conditioner thefts within Lee County.