25-year-old Palm Coast resident Crystal Stiefel was arrested on Sunday for allegedly burglarizing her ex-boyfriend’s vehicle, according to a report from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. She’s accused of stealing a chainsaw out of the pickup truck after finding out about a new relationship the ex had entered into.
According to the FCSO’s report, Stiefel began to send a steady stream of calls and text messages to her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend Sunday, leading them to contact law enforcement. Upon responding to the incident, deputies were informed that Stiefel had also placed calls to the new girlfriend’s employer, and had driven through their parking lot.
After this, the incident escalated. Stiefel’s ex-boyfriend again called the FCSO about an hour after the initial call to report that his truck had been broken into. He told deputies that some of his belongings had been placed on the ground next to the truck, and that a chainsaw had been stolen out of it. The truck was unlocked, as confirmed by Stiefel when she reportedly admitted to deputies that she’d been the one to break into it.
Upon contacting Stiefel, deputies arrested her for burglary of a vehicle and petty theft and transported her to the county jail. She was booked in the early morning hours on Monday and assigned a bond of $1,500. Once Stiefel posted her bond, she was released Monday afternoon. Other than this incident, Stiefel has no prior bookings at the county jail. Records show she resides in Palm Coast’s B Section.
“Stealing something out of someone’s car because you don’t like who they are dating is petty and is never the right answer,” said Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly. “All she did was earn herself a trip to the [county jail]. This is a good reminder to always lock your car doors.”
Chris Gollon is a Flagler County resident since 2004, as well as a staple of the local independent music scene and avid observer of Central Florida politics, arts, and recreation.
