DeFuniak Springs Police have issued warrants for the arrest of 30 year old Kynan Manuel Gentile who is believed to be responsible for two separate incidents. U.S. Capitol Police in Washington, D.C. notified DeFuniak Springs Police of a recovered stolen vehicle in their jurisdiction on June 22nd. Gentile was found to be the driver and was arrested for multiple charges in D.C. Gentile later admitted to stealing the 2009 Volkswagen Passat that was parked in front of a residence on 12th Street in DeFuniak Springs on the 17th of June. His reasoning was that Police were close to charging him for burglarizing Cash’s Liquor Store on the 16th and he wanted to get out of the area. Surveillance video of Cash’s revealed a man matching the description of Gentile. DeFuniak Springs Police Detectives had interviewed Gentile as a person of interest just after the burglary. He denied committing the crime, but showed up in sandals that matched the ones in the video footage. A closer look at the video and of Gentile proved a positive match. Additionally, the crow bar that was to used to gain entry and a bottle of liquor that was stolen were located at Gentile’s residence in DeFuniak Springs. Detectives submitted warrants for Gentile on Grand Theft Auto and Burglary, which the State Attorney’s Office and Judge approved. A hold was placed on Gentile, who has waived extradition. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office will make arrangements to pickup Gentile and transport him back to Walton County, where he will be held on a $35,000 bond.
PREVIOUS RELEASE: DeFuniak Springs Police responded to Cash’s Liquor Store at approximately 2:45AM Thursday morning in reference to a burglary. A witness advised seeing a white male break the front glass out of the door with a baseball bat. The business was checked, but a suspect was not located. Video of the incident was reviewed and the white male suspect was observed inside the store and removing items. Officers searched the area and have developed leads of a possible suspect.
In a posiible related incident, DeFuniak Springs Police responded to Walgreens Thursday morning at approximately 8AM in reference to the drive thru window being shattered. At first glance the extensive damage appeared to be caused by a bullet. Further investigation revealed a circular area where most likely a baseball bat was used. The cracked and shattered glass was still in-tact, thanks to the ballistic protection that is meant to stop bullets. The investigation is on-going into who may have caused the damage, with the motive appearing to be an attempted burglary of the pharmacy.
If you have any information on either one of these incidents, please contact the DeFuniak Springs Police at 850-892-8513. Callers may also remain anonymous by calling 850-910-TIPS (8477).