This morning, at approximately 1:30 a.m., a citizen reported his vehicle stolen by a person who impersonated a police officer in the 700 block of New Haven Ave in Melbourne.
According to police, 25-year-old Caesar Daniel Troso of Indialantic told the victim that he was an undercover police officer and that he was conducting an investigation.
Mr. Troso allegedly told the victim that he was now a suspect and to stand by the front of his vehicle.
The victim, fearing that Mr. Troso was not who he said he was, fled the scene on foot and left his vehicle unsecure.
Mr. Troso subsequently fled in the victim’s vehicle with an unknown black male accomplice who fled in a white Chevrolet Impala.
Melbourne Officers responded and issued a BOLO (Be On the Look Out) for the victims vehicle and the white Impala.
Within two hours, officers with the Melbourne Police Department Street Crimes Unit located the suspect and the white Impala in the area of Eau Gallie Blvd. and U.S. 1.
When the officers made contact with Mr. Troso, the officers located numerous illegal narcotics and the keys to the victim’s vehicle within his custody. Mr. Troso was arrested and charged with Grand Theft Auto, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
At this time the identity of the black male accomplice is unknown, but the investigation will continue. The investigation also showed this to be an isolated incident for TROSO and his accomplice.
The Melbourne Police Department is still investigating this incident.
If you have any information please call Crime line:
1-800-423-TIPS (8477)
