Massachusetts Men Face Jail Time After Allegedly Breaking Into Unlocked Florida Car and Setting Dumpster Fire

Two Massachusetts residents are facing criminal charges in Florida after authorities say they broke into an unlocked vehicle at a repair shop and later sparked a dumpster fire that prompted an emergency response.

The unusual incident unfolded in Key Largo and ended with both suspects being taken into custody after investigators reviewed security footage and gathered witness statements.

Officials say the pair now face multiple charges ranging from burglary and criminal mischief to arson-related offenses, with both men remaining in jail as the case moves through the legal system.

Repair Shop Worker Spots Suspicious Activity

According to authorities, the incident began early Monday morning at a vehicle repair business located along the Overseas Highway in Key Largo.

A worker at the shop reportedly noticed two individuals acting suspiciously around a parked Mercedes sedan on the property.

The employee confronted the pair after allegedly observing them accessing the vehicle and removing items from inside.

Concerned that a crime was taking place, the worker contacted law enforcement, prompting deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to respond to the scene.

Allegedly Targeted Vehicle Because It Was Unlocked

Investigators say one of the suspects later admitted that the vehicle was targeted simply because it had been left unlocked.

Authorities identified the suspects as:

• Evan Robert Aubrey, 36, of Winchester, Massachusetts
• Chabar Sara Duangsay, 36, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts

According to deputies, the suspects allegedly entered the vehicle without permission and removed property from inside.

The case serves as another reminder from law enforcement officials that even unlocked vehicles parked on private property can become easy targets for opportunistic theft.

Security Cameras Capture Incident

Investigators quickly obtained surveillance footage from the repair shop.

According to authorities, the video appeared to show the burglary taking place and helped confirm witness accounts.

Officials said the footage allegedly captured Duangsay wearing black latex gloves while removing items from the Mercedes.

Investigators further alleged that Aubrey acted as a lookout and directed the activity while standing nearby.

Security cameras have increasingly become a critical tool in solving property crimes, often providing investigators with clear timelines and visual evidence.

Dumpster Fire Adds More Serious Charges

What began as an alleged vehicle burglary soon escalated into a more serious criminal investigation.

Authorities say Aubrey admitted to throwing a lit cigar into a dumpster located on the property.

The discarded cigar allegedly ignited materials inside the dumpster and started a fire.

Fortunately, officials reported that no injuries occurred and the fire was contained before it could spread to nearby structures or vehicles.

However, investigators say the act resulted in additional criminal charges due to the potential danger posed by the blaze.

Dumpster fires can quickly become hazardous, especially in commercial areas where flammable materials may be stored nearby.

Multiple Criminal Charges Filed

Following their arrest, authorities filed separate charges against each suspect.

Aubrey was charged with:

• Arson
• Accessory-related offenses
• Criminal mischief

Duangsay was charged with:

• Burglary

Officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation continues.

The exact penalties the suspects could face will depend on court proceedings and the outcome of the criminal case.

No Injuries Reported

Despite the alleged burglary and subsequent fire, authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported.

Employees at the repair business were able to notify law enforcement quickly, helping deputies respond before the situation became more serious.

Officials noted that the incident could have had much more severe consequences if the fire had spread beyond the dumpster.

Suspects Taken Into Custody

After reviewing evidence and conducting interviews, deputies arrested both suspects at the scene.

They were transported to the Monroe County Jail for processing.

At the time of the arrest, authorities indicated that bond had not yet been set for either defendant.

Future court appearances are expected as prosecutors move forward with the case.

Why Unlocked Vehicles Remain Common Targets

Law enforcement agencies routinely warn drivers about the risks of leaving vehicles unlocked.

According to crime prevention experts, unlocked cars remain among the most frequently targeted opportunities for theft because they allow suspects to gain entry without forcing locks or breaking windows.

Police recommend that vehicle owners:

• Lock doors at all times
• Remove valuables from sight
• Park in well-lit areas
• Install security cameras when possible
• Report suspicious activity immediately

Even when nothing valuable appears visible, criminals may still check door handles looking for easy opportunities.

Fire Officials Warn About Careless Disposal of Smoking Materials

Investigators also highlighted the dangers associated with improperly discarded smoking materials.

According to fire safety experts, cigarettes, cigars, and other smoking products remain a common cause of preventable fires across the country.

A small ember can ignite trash, paper, cardboard, dry vegetation, and other combustible materials in a matter of minutes.

Officials encourage smokers to fully extinguish smoking materials before disposal and never discard them into trash containers containing flammable contents.

Community Reaction

While the incident may seem unusual, local residents expressed concern about both the alleged theft and the fire.

Business owners in the area noted that property crimes can create financial burdens and disrupt operations, while fires pose risks not only to businesses but also to neighboring properties.

Many residents praised the repair shop employee whose quick action helped alert authorities and prevent a potentially larger incident.

Investigation Continues

Authorities continue reviewing evidence related to the case.

Investigators may examine:

• Additional surveillance footage
• Witness statements
• Recovered property
• Fire damage assessments
• Physical evidence collected at the scene

As with all criminal cases, the charges remain allegations until proven in court.

The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until convicted through the legal process.

Final Thoughts

What began as an alleged burglary of an unlocked Mercedes quickly escalated into a more serious criminal case involving a dumpster fire and multiple arrests. Authorities say two Massachusetts residents now face charges after being caught at a Florida repair shop, where investigators allege they stole items from a vehicle and sparked a fire that could have caused far greater damage.

As the case proceeds through the courts, it serves as a reminder about the importance of securing vehicles, remaining vigilant around suspicious activity, and taking proper precautions when handling smoking materials.