Car theft suspect caught
FROM STAFF REPORTS Gulf Breeze News news@gulfbreezenews.com

Barberi

A vehicle stolen from a Gulf Breeze residence was recovered on Pensacola Beach Sept. 25.

A Gulf Breeze man reported his wallet and white 1997 Acura stolen from his residence on the 100 block of Stearns Street on Sept. 16. When the victim called to cancel his credit cards, he discovered that over $700 had been charged to his cards at a Wal-Mart in Pensacola and $9.27 was charged at a gas station in Pensacola.

While at the beach 9 days later, the man saw his car in the Casino Beach parking lot and immediately contacted a nearby deputy, an Escambia County Sheriff's Office report said. The victim thought he knew who may have stolen his car and began describing the alleged suspect as a white female in her late 30's with red hair. During his description, the victim and the deputy noticed the woman in question, later identified as Lisa Barberi, walking toward the allegedly stolen vehicle. When Barberi noticed the sheriff's deputy she changed direction and began walking toward the restrooms, the report said.

According to the report, suspect Barberi, 40, said she met the victim on the beach and was invited to his house the night the car went missing.

"In the middle of the night she took his keys and stole his car," the report said.

While being questioned by the deputy on scene, Barberi claimed the victim had stolen her cell phone and purse. When the deputy asked how she knew that for sure, Barberi responded: "Well, I stole his car so he must have stolen my belongings," the report said.

Barberi was arrested, charged with vehicle theft and transported to Escambia County Jail. Barberi's bond was set at $2,500.

During a search of her belongings, deputies also recovered a credit card with another man's name on it. According to the report, Barberi is a suspect in several burglary and fraud cases.