POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Three young men from Altamonte Springs discovered Friday evening that Polk County law enforcement takes a dim view of criminal activity, particularly when it involves stolen vehicles, firearms, and masks. The trio, now identified as Schuyler Barry-Austin (19), Vertrelle Walker, Jr. (21), and Deontrae Walker (16), are facing a litany of charges after being apprehended in a meticulously executed traffic stop on I-4.
The events unfolded on Friday evening when a Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputy, patrolling I-4 near Lakeland, spotted a 2016 Mazda CX-5 that had been reported stolen out of Orange County. As additional deputies converged, the stolen vehicle continued eastward, its occupants seemingly unaware they were being tracked.
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In a well-coordinated maneuver, two deputies positioned their vehicles ahead of the Mazda, deliberately creating a temporary traffic jam. As traffic slowed to a standstill just east of County Road 557, other deputies swiftly moved in, boxing in the stolen Mazda and taking all three occupants into custody without incident.
Upon their arrest, Barry-Austin, Vertrelle Walker, and Deontrae Walker were all found to be wearing masks and gloves. The driver, Schuyler Barry-Austin, was also in possession of a handgun that had been reported stolen from Orange County.
The charges against the three are extensive, with all charges enhanced due to the suspects wearing masks at the time of their arrest.
Vertrelle Walker, Jr. faces charges including Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Possession Less than 20 Grams of Cannabis, Possession of Burglary Tools, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, and Possession of Narcotic Paraphernalia.
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Schuyler Barry-Austin is charged with Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm during the Commencement of a Felony, Possession of a Vehicle for the Sale of Narcotics, Possession of Cannabis With Intent to Sell, Possession of Cannabis Greater than 20 Grams, Possession of Burglary Tools, and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.
The youngest of the group, Deontrae Walker, was charged with Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Possession of Burglary Tools.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, all three individuals have prior criminal histories. The swift and decisive action by PCSO deputies underscores the message that criminal activity will not be tolerated within Polk County borders.
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