Polk County Sheriff’s Phone# 863-298-6200
If in an emergency Dial 911
SOLVED! Vehicle Thefts in Lakeland; suspect may be from Mulberry
Media contact :
Brian Bruchey, PIO
Open graph title :
Open graph image :
Date :
Nov 15, 2020, 00:00 AM
***UPDATE: DECEMBER 1ST***
Thanks to a tipster who recognized this suspect, our detective was able to arrest 24-year-old Gavin McKenzie for this crime. McKenzie has been charged with Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Armed Burglary, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Attempted Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Mischief, Burglary of a Conveyance, and Petit Theft. Additional charges are possible.
ORIGINAL POST FOLLOWS:
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a man who they believe tried to steal one vehicle, but ended up stealing another one in the early morning hours of Sunday, November 15th.
The first incident occurred at 5302 Florida Avenue South in Lakeland.
Witnesses described a white male, about six-feet tall, skinny, with a close-shaved head and scraggly beard who had been seen in a red 1990 Ford Mustang. The ignition was popped, but the suspect was unable to leave with the car.
A short time later, a gray 1988 Ford Bronco was reported stolen from the parking lot of Ybor Cigars & Spirits at 5263 Florida Avenue South in Lakeland.
The Bronco was found later that day on Misty Lake Drive in Mulberry.
A witness saw the man who left the Bronco in Mulberry, and provided the description to a deputy.
The deputy also found a blue sweatshirt where the Bronco was recovered.
This brings us to security video from inside of Ybor Cigars & Spirits. The video shows a man matching the description from the witnesses.
Obviously, detectives would like for that man to be identified so they could speak with the man about the crimes.
If you recognize the man, or you have other information that might be helpful to this investigation, please contact Deputy Sheriff Hannon at 863-499-2400 (reference case #20-44201).
Or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
* Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
* From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
* Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip,"
* Or download the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.
You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.
Thanks to a tipster who recognized this suspect, our detective was able to arrest 24-year-old Gavin McKenzie for this crime. McKenzie has been charged with Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Armed Burglary, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Attempted Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Mischief, Burglary of a Conveyance, and Petit Theft. Additional charges are possible.
ORIGINAL POST FOLLOWS:
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a man who they believe tried to steal one vehicle, but ended up stealing another one in the early morning hours of Sunday, November 15th.
The first incident occurred at 5302 Florida Avenue South in Lakeland.
Witnesses described a white male, about six-feet tall, skinny, with a close-shaved head and scraggly beard who had been seen in a red 1990 Ford Mustang. The ignition was popped, but the suspect was unable to leave with the car.
A short time later, a gray 1988 Ford Bronco was reported stolen from the parking lot of Ybor Cigars & Spirits at 5263 Florida Avenue South in Lakeland.
The Bronco was found later that day on Misty Lake Drive in Mulberry.
A witness saw the man who left the Bronco in Mulberry, and provided the description to a deputy.
The deputy also found a blue sweatshirt where the Bronco was recovered.
This brings us to security video from inside of Ybor Cigars & Spirits. The video shows a man matching the description from the witnesses.
Obviously, detectives would like for that man to be identified so they could speak with the man about the crimes.
If you recognize the man, or you have other information that might be helpful to this investigation, please contact Deputy Sheriff Hannon at 863-499-2400 (reference case #20-44201).
Or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
* Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
* From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
* Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip,"
* Or download the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.
You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.
Leave a comment