POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A late-night attempted motor vehicle theft at a Circle K on North Combee Road in unincorporated Lakeland on Wednesday, October 15th, escalated quickly, leading to a confrontation, a smashed patrol car window, and multiple felony charges for the suspect.
The incident occurred around 11:35 p.m. when 32-year-old Samuel Damon-Kyle Hudgins of Winter Haven allegedly attempted to steal a vehicle. The owner of the car confronted Hudgins, who reportedly responded by attempting to punch him.
A Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputy arrived on the scene swiftly and detained Hudgins. He was handcuffed and placed into the back of the patrol vehicle while the deputy began the investigation.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn while Hudgins was in custody. According to the PCSO, Hudgins kicked out the window of the patrol car and attempted to escape from the vehicle. His escape attempt was immediately foiled by the deputy. During the ensuing struggle, Hudgins reportedly resisted and threatened to kill the deputies involved.
Samuel Hudgins was transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center, where he was booked and faces an extensive list of charges, including: Escape, Grand Theft Motor Vehicle, Threatening a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO), Resisting an Officer Without Violence, Criminal Mischief, and Assault.
READ: Florida DOH Polk County Issues Rabies Alert For South Lakeland After Stray Cat Tests Positive
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