Marco Island Man Arrested After Condo Break-In Leaves Trail of Destruction

MARCO ISLAND, Florida — A Marco Island man has been arrested after police say a burglary turned into an act of deliberate destruction, leaving a condominium ransacked and several prized possessions stolen.

Investigators say the victim returned home on Sunday to a scene that appeared more personal than opportunistic. According to the Marco Island Police Department, a television had been stabbed repeatedly with a knife — more than nine times — while bedding and a mattress had been slashed in an X-shaped pattern, rendering them unusable.

The victim also discovered a number of items missing, including a Lululemon purse containing identification, bank cards, approximately $300 in cash and an iPhone. Police say a coffee maker, knife block, pickleball paddle and a pair of cowboy boots were also taken from the property.

The breakthrough came when the victim’s son used tracking technology to locate the stolen iPhone. Detectives say the device was traced to the residence of 55-year-old Shawn Long.

According to the arrest report, Long was known to the victim and later sent a text message to the victim’s son expressing a desire to meet and return the phone. He subsequently claimed the device had already been given back to the victim’s daughter.

Officers later spotted Long driving near Heathwood Drive and conducted a traffic stop. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Long now faces charges including burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, grand theft and criminal mischief.

The incident has raised concerns among residents in the typically quiet island community, where violent property damage of this nature is relatively uncommon.

Police have not released a motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.