WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – A request for identification at a convenience store on Wednesday morning spiraled into a trip to the county jail for a local 19-year-old already serving probation.
The incident unfolded around 10:45 a.m. at the Citgo located at 2415 Avenue G NW. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, a young man entered the business looking to buy a box of cigars.
When the clerk asked to see his ID—a standard requirement under state law for tobacco purchases—the transaction went south. Deputies say the customer simply shook his head, reached over the counter, and grabbed the box of cigars, valued at approximately $50.
He immediately ran out of the store and fled the scene in a white Nissan.
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Employees quickly relayed a description of the suspect and the vehicle to law enforcement. Patrol units in the area spotted a white Nissan shortly after the call went out and initiated a traffic stop. The driver, identified as 19-year-old Anthony Joel Olmo of Winter Haven, matched the description provided by store staff.
Deputies reportedly found the stolen box of cigars still in Olmo’s possession.
A records check revealed that Olmo was currently on probation for previous charges, including Felony Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Obstruction.
Olmo was taken into custody and transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center. He now faces a new charge of Retail Theft along with Violation of Probation.
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