POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A Mulberry man kicked off the new year with a crime spree that landed him behind bars, facing multiple felony charges.
Just before 4:00 AM on New Year’s Day, 28-year-old Dustin Barnes allegedly broke into the Walmart store on Church Avenue in Mulberry. While the store was closed, a cleaning crew was working inside when Barnes entered, grabbed merchandise, and fled the scene.
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Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the burglary call and quickly located Barnes. However, when they attempted to take him into custody, Barnes resisted arrest and engaged in a violent struggle with the deputies.
After subduing Barnes, deputies transported him to the Polk County Jail.
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He is now facing seven felony charges, including burglary, grand theft, resisting arrest with violence, and battery on a law enforcement officer, as well as one misdemeanor charge.
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