Two Dead, One Arrested After Burglary Suspects’ SUV Plunges Into Deerfield Beach Lake
Authorities have identified the three suspected car burglars involved in a predawn crash that sent an SUV into a residential lake in Deerfield Beach, killing two occupants and ending with one arrest.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded shortly before 4 a.m. Tuesday after deputies responded to reports of vehicle burglaries in the 700 block of Deer Creek Emerald Way West. Surveillance video reviewed by investigators shows one suspect walking through the neighborhood and checking parked cars moments before deputies arrived.
As deputies reached the area, the suspects fled in a white SUV. The vehicle crashed into a lake near Lakeside Way and Lakeside Drive, authorities said. One occupant managed to escape the submerged SUV and was taken into custody at the scene. Deputies attempted a water rescue for another person trapped inside the vehicle, but were unable to reach him in time. Divers later recovered two bodies from the lake. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased were identified as 22-year-old Weekenley Felix and 20-year-old Ashly Rosier. The surviving suspect was identified as 21-year-old Pledidson Philibert. Surveillance video recorded after the crash shows Philibert attempting to hide beneath a parked vehicle before surrendering to deputies, investigators said.
Prosecutors charged Philibert with the following offenses:
• Five counts of burglary of an unoccupied conveyance
• Three counts of conspiracy to commit burglary of an unoccupied conveyance
During a court appearance Wednesday, a judge set Philibert’s bond at $24,000. Video from the scene shows deputies and dive teams working behind homes along the lake as the SUV was pulled from the water. A yellow body bag was visible as the first victim was recovered, followed by the removal of a second body. The investigation remains ongoing. Deputies have not released additional details about whether the suspects were linked to other burglaries in the area or whether additional charges may be filed.
