WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – A Winter Haven woman’s stolen bicycle was recovered and a local man arrested this week, thanks to the victim’s persistence and a keen eye on Facebook Marketplace.
The incident began on June 1st when the woman’s bicycle was stolen from her residence on Leisure Drive. Initially, she didn’t report the theft, believing her chances of recovery were slim. However, her perspective changed when she later spotted her distinctive bicycle listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
The victim promptly contacted the account holder, identified as Allen O’Neill. Following this contact, the Facebook Marketplace post featuring the bicycle swiftly disappeared, according to deputies.
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Investigators say the victim then reported the incident to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). A PCSO detective investigating the case was able to identify “Allen O’Neill” as Rusty Allen O’Neil Waddle of Winter Haven.
Upon visiting Waddle’s residence, the detective located the stolen bicycle.
When questioned, Rusty Waddle claimed he had purchased the bike from an individual named “Tony.”
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He further stated that once he realized the bicycle was stolen, he had intended to return it to the rightful owner. However, this claim was contradicted by his actions, as he had ceased all communication with the victim and had not contacted law enforcement to report the suspected stolen property.
Deputies say Waddle has a documented history of burglary offenses and was subsequently arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He faces charges of burglary, petit theft, dealing in stolen property, and using the internet to deal in stolen property. Waddle was transported to the Polk County Jail.
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