OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A 17-year-old is facing multiple felony charges after Marion County Sheriff’s Office detectives linked him to a series of vehicle burglaries and the theft of a vehicle in southwest Ocala.

Nykiea Holden, 17, was arrested June 3 on multiple warrants charging him with burglary of a conveyance, grand theft of a motor vehicle, grand theft and petit theft.

The investigation began May 22, 2026, when deputies responded to the 4500 block of S.W. 44th Ln. after a resident reported her 2025 Nissan Sentra stolen overnight. According to the report, surveillance footage showed a masked suspect wearing gloves and a dark sweatshirt with a white design on the front entering the vehicle and driving away.

While canvassing the neighborhood, deputies discovered several other vehicles had also been entered during the same period.

Investigators reported that a 2017 Kia Sorento had been burglarized and a plastic box containing pens and scissors were stolen. Two Subaru vehicles at another residence were found with their doors open and items moved around inside, though nothing appeared to be missing. A Mitsubishi Raider and a GMC Yukon were also reportedly entered, with vehicle interiors disturbed but no property reported stolen. The stolen Nissan was later recovered by the Ocala Police Department.

According to detectives, the case took a significant turn on May 26 when Ocala police responded to another series of vehicle burglaries near S.W. 50th Ct. Investigators said surveillance footage from those incidents appeared to show the same suspect seen in the Marion County burglaries.

Officers reportedly interrupted the suspect during the burglaries, causing him to flee the area. Investigators said a cellphone was left behind during the pursuit. The report states that a 13-year-old later arrived and claimed ownership of the phone. However, detectives reported the juvenile was unable to provide information about the device and later stated Holden had paid him to claim it. Investigators said Holden was able to accurately describe the phone and later admitted it belonged to him.

A search warrant executed at Holden’s residence allegedly uncovered a black crossbody bag matching one seen in surveillance footage, along with a black sweatshirt featuring two skeletons on the front. Detectives also recovered a Nissan key fob that was confirmed to belong to the stolen Sentra.

Based on the surveillance footage, the recovered evidence and statements gathered during the investigation, detectives determined there was probable cause to charge Holden in connection with both the vehicle theft and multiple vehicle burglaries.

Holden was arrested on one count of grand theft of a motor vehicle, one count of grand theft between $750 and $5,000, six counts of burglary of a conveyance in one case and an additional burglary of a conveyance charge in a separate case.

The cases remain pending.