- February 17, 2026
A coordinated investigation between the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Volusia Sheriff’s Office and the New Smyrna Beach Police Department has led to the arrest of a Palm Coast man accused of committing a string of commercial burglaries across two counties.
William Whitaker, 41, was taken into custody Feb. 12 after detectives caught him attempting to break into ABC Liquor in New Smyrna Beach, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators began linking the cases after a series of forced-entry burglaries between Feb. 7 and Feb. 10. Businesses in Flagler County were targeted, with the suspect shattering glass doors and stealing cash register drawers.
In Flagler County, deputies investigated burglaries at A.L. Prime Gas in Bunnell on Feb. 9 and Crystal Nail Salon in Palm Coast on Feb. 10. Surveillance video in both cases showed a suspect breaking glass doors and stealing cash from inside the businesses. The Bunnell Police Department also investigated a similar burglary at Grace Beauty Supply that authorities believe is connected.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said the investigation advanced quickly.
“After a career offender thought he could get away with committing crimes in Flagler County after he conducted two burglaries and one in the City of Bunnell, detectives were able to identify a suspicious vehicle during the time frame through our Real Time Crime Center,” Staly said.
Detectives then coordinated surveillance with law enforcement partners as the vehicle traveled from Palm Coast into New Smyrna Beach. Authorities said they observed Whitaker position his vehicle near closed businesses before allegedly attempting another break in.
“Detectives then started trailing the suspect and actually observed him commit a burglary in the City of New Smyrna Beach and notified New Smyrna Beach PD and Volusia Sheriff’s deputies that responded and apprehended him in the act,” Staly said. “This put his burglary spree in two counties to an immediate halt.”
According to the sheriff’s office, officers moved in after hearing sounds consistent with glass being struck. Whitaker was taken into custody without incident. Police reported damage to an exterior window at ABC Liquor exceeding $1,000 and said burglary tools, including a skeleton lock pick set and a mask, were found in his possession.
Whitaker was arrested in Volusia County on charges including burglary of a structure with property damage and possession of burglary tools. Flagler County detectives later obtained warrants charging him with two counts of burglary of a structure causing more than $1,000 in damage, two counts of criminal mischief and two counts of felony petit theft. He is being held on no bond for the burglary charges.
Whitaker’s Florida rap sheet spans 64 pages and includes prior charges such as burglary, grand theft, battery, possession of burglary tools and fleeing or eluding.
“This was a team effort and did a great job stopping this dirt bag thief in his tracks,” Staly said.
“This career criminal learned the hard way that if you make the mistake of targeting Flagler County businesses we will track you down and put you in jail,” he added.
