Cops: Orlando woman arrested for smash and grab

The arrest of 25-year-old Ashtan Tyteyanna Doucette was announced last Friday on the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page; the post included pictures of her and the second suspect, identified as Montavias Deon Dixon.

Authorities allege that Doucette fled the scene of a theft at Morgan Park on Jan. 14 in a white Audi; two other vehicles were reported leaving the area at the same time.

On Jan. 19, DeSoto deputies reported seeing the Audi and attempted a traffic stop. According to authorities, the driver did not comply with the stop and continued on towards Charlotte County.

The Audi was followed by unmarked patrol vehicles and was later stopped with assistance from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. Doucette was subsequently arrested.

Doucette is currently charged with one count each of unarmed burglary and fleeing law enforcement by failing to obey a lawful order. According to DCSO’s online records, Doucette is also facing three out-of-county warrants.

DeSoto County deputies allege that both Doucette and Dixon are “part of the ‘Felony Lane’ group of criminals,” referring to an organization known for stealing purses from vehicles.

The name came from the group’s penchant for taking stolen identification to make withdrawals at the bank. A female accomplice would often attempt to make the withdrawal, usually in disguise and using the furthest lane away from a bank’s drive-thru window to reduce the chances of detection (ie, using the “felony lane”).

In the Facebook post announcing the arrest, DCSO reminded drivers to stay vigilant of their parked cars.

“These thieves are opportunists … Make sure everything is locked and don’t leave valuables in your car!” read the post.

DCSO is also asking members of the public with information on Dixon can contact SWFL Crime Stoppers.