POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida man, identified only as “Joe,” was taken into custody last week after Polk County Sheriff’s deputies found him cooking and filling a bathtub in a stranger’s home north of Davenport.
The homeowner was out of town, and a neighbor’s call to authorities led to the unusual discovery.
According to a release from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the homeowner had entrusted his neighbor with watching over the property. The neighbor noticed lights flickering on and off in the house one night and contacted the sheriff’s office.
READ: Double Trouble: Lakeland Traffic Stop Leads To “BOGO” Arrest For Polk County Deputies
Deputies responded to the scene, where they found “Joe” seemingly making himself at home. Deputies reported that Joe was in the process of cooking and had just finished filling the bathtub for a soak.
When confronted, Joe admitted he had no permission to be in the residence and didn’t even know who owned the house. He explained to deputies that he had gotten into an argument with his wife and, not wanting to go home, decided to “burgle someone else’s home instead.”
The Sheriff’s Office lightheartedly likened the incident to a “Polk County version of ‘Goldilocks and the 3 Bears,'” noting Joe’s apparent attempt to find a comfortable — albeit unauthorized — respite.
READ :Auburndale Travel Trailer Theft Leads To Arrest Of Polk City Man
No further information regarding Joe’s identity or the specific charges he may be facing has been released at this time.
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.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
