LAKLEAND, Fla. – Residents in the Mikasuki neighborhood are on alert after an early morning thief managed to make off with a firearm during a string of vehicle break-ins.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is now asking for the public’s help to identify the individual responsible for the theft, which occurred just off South Carter Road near County Road 540A.
The incident happened around 4:30 a.m. on April 17, 2026, when security footage captured a suspect wearing a hoodie, dark pants, and white sneakers. The individual was seen moving through the area, checking door handles and attempting to get into at least two different vehicles. With at least one being unlocked.
Inside one of those vehicles, the thief located and stole a firearm before fleeing the scene.
READ: ‘Have My Kids’: Polk County Deputy Fired And Arrested For Grooming Teen Cadet
The Sheriff’s Office has assigned Detective Calderin to the case. Anyone who recognizes the suspect’s description or has additional surveillance footage from that morning is encouraged to call 863-499-2400 or email KCalderin@polksheriff.org.
Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-888-400-TIPS (8477), dialing TIPS from a mobile phone, or using the “P3tips” smartphone app. Information can also be sent through the Heartland Crime Stoppers website.
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