- March 31, 2026
A Palm Coast man has been arrested in connection with multiple cigarette thefts at local gas stations, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives identified the suspect as Derek Colamartino, 35, of Palm Coast, following an investigation by the Sheriff’s Office General Assignment Unit with assistance from the Real Time Crime Center.
According to investigators, Colamartino entered several gas stations and acted as if he intended to purchase cigarettes. When clerks turned their attention to the register, he would grab the cigarettes and run from the store without paying.
Through investigative efforts, detectives were able to identify Colamartino and locate him at a family member’s residence in Palm Coast. At the residence, deputies found shoes and glasses matching those seen in surveillance footage, along with a pack of cigarettes consistent with those reported stolen.
Sheriff Rick Staly said Colamartino has a criminal history and came to Flagler County from Massachusetts.
Detectives arrested Colamartino on two counts of petit theft. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and later released on a $300 bond.
The total value of the stolen cigarettes was reported to be $215.29.
This is an update to the story below.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a suspect connected to a series of cigarette thefts at convenience stores across Palm Coast.
According to investigators, the most recent incident happened on March 24 at a RaceTrac on State Road 100 near Seminole Woods Boulevard. Detectives believe the same suspect is responsible for at least three thefts in the area.
Authorities say the suspect follows a similar pattern in each case, backing into a parking space, entering the store, and waiting for cigarettes to be placed on the counter during a transaction before grabbing them and running out without paying.
Earlier incidents tied to the investigation include a theft at a Wawa in January and another at a Circle K on March 22.
Detectives say the suspect is believed to be driving a Nissan Pathfinder and are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating him.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers.
