Crestview men charged in 50K theft case

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office charged both Brandon (left) and Joshua Zick (right) with armed burglary, grand theft, criminal mischief and 53 counts of theft of a firearm. Special to the News Bulletin

SHALIMAR, Florida — The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has recovered more than $50,000 in stolen guns, jewelry, and coins taken during the December burglary of a Bear Head Road residence in Crestview.

The homeowner told deputies the thieves stole a 600-pound safe that contained approximately $25,000 in guns and another $25,000 in jewelry, precious metals, and fishing equipment, according to an OSCO media release.

OCSO investigators developed leads in the case which led them to the home of Joshua Zick, 28, at 2196 North Pearl St., Crestview. When investigators arrived, Zick was allegedly loading some of the stolen firearms into his truck. "Investigators interviewed Zick, who provided a full confession and led Deputies to several locations where the stolen guns were stored," the release stated.

Brandon Zick, 31, was also developed as a suspect and voluntarily provided Investigators with a bag containing the stolen jewelry and precious metals, according to the release.

In addition, Joshua Zick led Investigators to his place of employment, where he and Brandon allegedly used construction equipment to open and eventually bury the stolen safe, the report stated. Investigators later located and excavated the safe.

The OSCO charged both Joshua and Brandon Zick with armed burglary, grand theft, criminal mischief and 53 counts of theft of a firearm.

Additional arrests are forthcoming.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview men charged in 50K theft case