Second arrest made in connection with UCF car burglaries

Facebook Live video shows suspect waving gun near baby, police say

ORLANDO, Fla. – A second person, described by police as a documented gang member and convicted felon, has been arrested in connection with nearly three dozen car break-ins at the University of Central Florida.

UCF police Chief Richard Beary announced Friday afternoon that Saevon Tyejacarr Broaden, 21, was arrested Tuesday in Orlando in connection with 35 vehicle burglaries on campus in March. 

Beary described Broaden as a career criminal with 52 felony arrests. He said Broaden's criminal history is “far longer and scarier” than that of Luther Braddy, 21, who was arrested earlier this month in connection with the case.

Police are seeking two other people in connection with the case. Authorities would not say if they are also gang members.

“They know we’re after them, so it becomes difficult. These people become very good at disappearing when they know the heat is on,” Beary said.

Police said additional charges were added against Broaden because he posted a Facebook Live video showing him lying in bed holding a Glock handgun as a 3-week-old infant lies in bed next to him.

“As a father, as a grandfather and as a firearm instructor, words just escape me how someone could be playing with a gun laying next to a 3-week-old child,” Beary said.

Beary said that video was a key piece of evidence and allowed authorities to slap on three additional charges: child neglect, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. 

“When he says, ‘Police can’t do nothing to me,’ news flash – OPD just did. It was nice his camera was so clear we were able to get that serial number from that gun,” Beary said.

Beary said the Department of Children and Families is investigating.

"That's a 3-week-old infant with a career criminal and a convicted felon who knows he's not supposed to be in possession of a firearm," Beary said. 

The cars were burglarized near the Lake Claire Apartments and three Greek houses at UCF.

Police said a good Samaritan alerted them as a car was being burglarized early one morning. Windows were shattered and items were stolen from vehicles, including three cars that were locked, police said.

The culprits fled the scene in a car that was reported stolen in Orange County, authorities said. They crashed on Rouse Road and left the scene.

Beary said he's thankful no one got hurt.

"When you think about this type of case, here's a guy whose carrying a gun, whose armed all the time. What would have happened if somebody would have challenged him while he's out breaking into cars?" Beary said.