Authorities say an unusually high number of tipsters identified the suspect, who now faces additional drug charges.
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A 31-year-old Polk City woman, McKenzie Kayleen West, was taken into custody Friday evening following a series of public tips after the Lakeland Police Department (LPD) issued a warrant for her arrest in connection with a mid-August motorcycle theft.
The investigation began when LPD determined West was the suspect in the theft, obtaining a warrant for her arrest. After police released an image of the individual wanted for stealing the motorcycle, authorities received an unexpected flood of responses.
“No fewer than four people reached out to them to say it was McKenzie,” said Polk County Sheriff’s Office, indicating an unusual level of public cooperation in identifying the suspect.
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The lead came when another individual provided Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies with information regarding West’s location. Deputies followed up on the tip on the evening of Friday, September 26th, arriving at a residence on Osborne Lane in Lakeland.
West was located at the residence and taken into custody without incident.
She was transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center on the original warrant for burglary and grand theft motor vehicle. Upon her arrest, she was also charged with additional offenses: possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
READ: Lakeland Man Arrested After Reaching 115 MPH On Polk Parkway
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