Coral Springs man accused of breaking into multiple cars and trying to flee police by swimming across a canal before being tasered
Coral Springs, Florida – A 20-year-old man from Coral Springs is facing multiple charges after police say he broke into several cars and attempted to escape by swimming across a canal. The dramatic chase, which unfolded on April 26, ended with a Taser deployment and an arrest near North University Drive.
According to a police report, Ross Bernard Stephens is accused of committing a series of car burglaries in a Coral Springs neighborhood before making a failed getaway attempt. Officers were first alerted when a resident spotted someone inside his 2022 white GMC truck. As the resident approached the vehicle, the suspect fled on foot.
Police arrived on the scene shortly after and managed to detain Stephens. The truck’s owner was able to positively identify him as the person who had been inside the vehicle. Not long after, another resident reported a break-in involving a 2023 Genesis. Security footage captured an individual matching Stephens’ description inside the car, and the man’s wife also confirmed the match. This victim later identified Stephens in a police lineup.
As officers searched the area for additional evidence and potential accomplices, Stephens took off once again — this time making a beeline for a nearby canal. Ignoring officers’ repeated commands to stop, he jumped into the water and began swimming to the other side in a last-ditch effort to escape.
That attempt was short-lived. As Stephens continued swimming, police deployed a Taser from across the water, successfully immobilizing him. He was then pulled from the canal and taken into custody.
During the arrest, officers discovered further evidence potentially tying Stephens to a third break-in. Near the area where he was caught, they found a wallet that belonged to a third resident. It had been stolen from an unlocked 2020 Subaru parked close by, according to the report.
After his arrest, Stephens was taken to Broward Health Coral Springs for a medical evaluation, a standard procedure following Taser use. Once cleared, he was transported to the Broward County Jail, where he remains held on a $15,500 bond. Court records show that he is currently facing burglary-related charges tied to the vehicle incidents.
The Coral Springs Police Department has not reported any additional suspects or accomplices in connection with the case. Residents in the affected neighborhood expressed relief at the quick response by law enforcement.
Stephens’ next court date has not yet been announced. Meanwhile, police are reminding residents to keep their vehicles locked and valuables out of sight to prevent similar crimes.
“We encourage everyone to check their home surveillance systems if they live near the area of the incidents,” the department stated in a community notice.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Coral Springs Police Department.
