Probation Violator Nabbed After Bicycle Chase and Yard Hopping in Babson Park
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A trespassing complaint in Babson Park on Wednesday, July 16th, quickly escalated into a multi-unit pursuit, culminating in the apprehension of a man already on probation for a recent burglary.
Matthew Scott Young, 40, was taken into custody after attempting to flee from Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies.
Deputies responded to the Libby Road area after receiving a report of trespassing. Upon their arrival, a white male, later identified as Young, immediately fled the scene on a bicycle, disregarding deputies’ commands to stop.
READ: Mulberry Man Nabbed In Lakeland After Half-Dozen Probation Violations
Authorities quickly determined the fleeing individual was Matthew Scott Young, who was out on probation for a burglary and petit theft committed in April of 2025.
In that incident, Young burglarized The Crooked Bass restaurant and stole a pressure washer.
A search of the area for Young began. It wasn’t long before the PCSO Aviation Unit located him, and saw the man running through multiple fenced-in residential yards in an apparent attempt to evade capture, according to deputies.
As K-9 Boss began to close the gap on the ground, Young, realizing his escape was futile, reportedly stopped and yelled, “Don’t send the dog, I’m coming out!”
READ: Polk County Sheriff’s Office Reports 24.6% Crime Drop In First Half Of 2025
Deputies took Young into custody without further incident and transported him to the Polk County Jail.
Matthew Young now faces additional charges, including two counts of Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling, Resisting an Officer Without Violence, and Violation of Probation.
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