The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office cleared numerous burglaries Tuesday after arresting two suspects who reportedly would break into vehicles by shooting out the windows with a BB gun, authorities said.

Sheriff’s Office Tourist Policing Unit detectives arrested Phillip Glenn Shafer, 29, and Melissa Ann Barnett, 38, who were both living at the Paradise Inn, 4501 W. U.S. Highway 192, Kissimmee, and charged them with the car burglaries.

The investigation began several weeks ago when deputies took at least 21 reports of car burglaries along West U.S. Highway 192. The car burglaries were similar because the suspects would break the windows with BB guns, take cash or credit cards and purchase gift cards with the money, Sheriff’s Office reports said. After further investigation, detectives identified Shafer and Barnett as suspects.

On July 30, they conducted an undercover investigation, which led them to Shafer and Barnett at the inn. Detectives obtained consent to search their motel room and located a large amount of stolen property. Detectives also found a victim’s video camera that Shafer and Barnett used to tape themselves looking at the stolen property and using illegal drugs, reports said.

Shafer was charged with criminal mischief, battery, unoccupied burglary, grand theft and fraud. He has active felony warrants from Sarasota County for fraud and violation of probation for robbery.

Barnett was charged with accessory after the fact, unoccupied burglary and grand theft. Based on the evidence, detectives believe Shafer and Barnett might be responsible for even more car burglaries. The investigation is ongoing with additional charges pending.

Editor Marvin G. Cortner and Associate Editor Brian McBride compiled the police news.