DEEP CREEK — Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputies Wednesday located a rental vehicle stolen out of Miami after Punta Gorda Police issued a BOLO for the vehicle after occupants stole a purse out of a car at a gas station in that city. Arrested were Marc Ronald Jacques, 29, of the 1500 block of NW 134th Street, and Erica Suzanne Ruiz, 22, of the 6800 block of SW Fifth Street, both of Miami. PGPD issued a BOLO after reviewing surveillance video that showed a black Chevrolet HHR left a gas station at 3949 Tamiami Trail after the woman’s purse was stolen. The woman was pumping gas and left her purse in her unlocked vehicle. The purse contained six credit cards, cash and her cell phone.

Deputies observed the stolen car after receiving GPS locations to an area provided by the Miami rental car company. Deputies followed and made a felony traffic stop on southbound I-75 south of the Kings Highway/Exit-170. PGPD also responded. Jacques, the driver, had two warrants for his arrest in Hernando County. Ruiz gave a false name at first and then discovered she had a warrant for her arrest in St. Lucie County. She also is on probation through the state prison system (DOC). Deputies could smell a strong odor of marijuana in the vehicle and located four baggies of marijuana along with the victim’s credit cards, driver’s license and her cell phone. Jacques and Ruiz were transported to the Charlotte County Jail, where they both remain on no bond. A total of 19 charges have been filed.