2 arrested in Collier County grand theft auto case

SOUTH NAPLES, Fla. — Two suspects were arrested Friday afternoon after allegedly conducting a car burglary spree early Friday morning.

Noah Stirn, 21, and Roxana Lopez, 25, both of Naples, were accused of stealing Luis Castillo’s van from his home on Jennings Street while the family was sleeping.

Castillo noticed the van was missing when he was getting ready to go to work. He has his own painting business.

“This van means everything because this is how I support my family,” he said.

Castillo’s brother spotted the van Friday afternoon while driving on U.S. 41 and followed it into an apartment complex. He then parked behind the stolen van and confronted the suspects.

However, Stirn became violent.

“He’s got a gun on him and he pointed it at my brother’s face,” Castillo said. “He told him to get out of here and my brother is walking like crazy, because he is really scared, because maybe he could die at any moment.”

Collier County deputies came and arrested the two for grand theft.

While Castillo is grateful to have his van back, he said $3,500 worth of equipment was stolen. He plans to get a loan to cover the cost.

A neighbor’s car was also robbed, but only a wallet was stolen.

Stirn and Lopez are in custody facing theft and burglary charges. Stirn’s bond is set at $10,000 while Lopez’s is at $6,000.