DAVENPORT, Fla. – A New York visitor got a harsh dose of Florida reality last week after his attempt to steal snacks and alcohol from a local convenience store landed him in the Polk County Jail instead of just receiving a citation.
Jacob Kimbrew, who had reportedly been in the area for only two weeks, was apprehended by Polk County deputies after allegedly shoplifting beer and Cheetos from a Racetrac located on Highway 27 in Davenport, Florida.
According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Kimbrew took off running across the busy highway when staff noticed the theft. Deputies quickly caught up with the suspect, who then expressed shock at being arrested.
“Now wait a minute. You’re taking me to jail? I just got here from New York,” Kimbrew reportedly told the arresting deputies. He then attempted to argue for a lesser consequence, stating that back home, theft of this nature might only result in a ticket. “If you get caught in New York, they kind of give you a ticket. You don’t go to jail,” he allegedly said, according to Judd.
The deputies’ answer was a firm “no,” Judd said.
The Sheriff’s Office delivered what Judd described as the “Polk County, Florida welcome wagon.”
“You go to jail here. Welcome from New York to the Polk County Jail,” Judd stated, adding a final note for the new inmate: “We don’t serve Cheetos or beer in the jail.” Kimbrew has been charged with petty theft and other related charges.
READ: Florida Man Stabbed Landlady To Death During Argument, Police Say
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
