Suspects arrested after home break-in in Rhode Island; stolen Ferrari found in Florida

CRANSTON, R.I. (WJAR) — Police in Rhode Island said a Ferrari reported stolen during a burglary was later recovered in Florida, where one of the two defendants is in custody.

Authorities also said the second suspect is in custody in Rhode Island.

Cranston police told WJAR that the break-in was reported early Saturday morning. Police said residents reported seeing two masked men enter through an unlocked door and demand the keys to a Ferrari and a Corvette.

The police said it was no accident.

“It was clear that the suspects had detailed knowledge of the house and the vehicles they were looking for,” police said in a press release. “The keys were handed over and the suspects drove off in the Ferrari.”

Jonathan Cost

Logan Slezak

The Corvette was left where the owner had parked it, police said.

Investigators determined that one of the suspects had an indirect connection to one of the residents, had been in the house before, and knew where the keys were.

Police obtained arrest warrants for 20-year-old Jonathan Costa of Cranston and 18-year-old Logan Slezak of Pawtucket for burglary with criminal intent, use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime and conspiracy.

Authorities said one of their license plate readers tracked the blue 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider the next day, but officers were unable to find the car. They said a police officer saw the Ferrari on Monday evening and tried to pull it over.

According to police reports, the driver led police officers and law enforcement officers in Rhode Island and Connecticut on a chase, but was able to escape. New York State police officers also pursued the car, but the driver was able to escape.

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday that it spotted the car in Florida and tracked it. Using an aerial unit, they tracked the Ferrari to a home in Palm Coast.

The officers found the car unoccupied and hidden under a tarpaulin.

“Sheriffs surrounded the house and were able to immediately arrest Jonathan Costa,” Cranston police said.

Police told WJAR they are in contact with authorities in Florida.

“The arrest of the suspects in this case was difficult because they were driving recklessly and at dangerously high speeds (over 130 mph) to evade arrest, putting all law enforcement and innocent motorists in danger. Additionally, they were armed and dangerous,” said Maj. Todd Patalano.