Veteran Detective Charged After Allegedly Falsifying Account of Vehicle Damage
LAKELAND, Fla. – An off-duty Lakeland Police officer, 42-year-old Michael Hayes, was arrested on Friday, July 19, 2025, by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) for filing a false report of a crime.
Hayes, a 12-year veteran assigned to the Property Crimes Unit, allegedly fabricated a story about his agency-issued vehicle being damaged by juveniles.
The investigation began when Hayes contacted PCSO, claiming that three unknown juveniles threw an object at his unmarked Chevrolet SUV on Yates Road in Lakeland, shattering the back window.
READ: Auburndale Man Arrested After Allegedly Puncturing Car Tires: Polk County Sheriff
Hayes told deputies he attempted to pursue the fleeing youth, and in doing so, ran over a small sign, causing damage to the front of his vehicle. He stated he had called his supervisor, who instructed him to report the incident to the Sheriff’s Office. Hayes reported the incident occurred approximately 30 minutes before his call, after he had driven home.
However, PCSO investigators uncovered a photo of Hayes’ SUV taken 24 hours prior to his report, clearly showing the back window already broken. When confronted with this evidence, Hayes changed his story, admitting he believed his child had broken the window with a baseball and that he “panicked and did not know what to do.” He was unable to explain the damage to his vehicle beyond that point.
Hayes was taken into custody and charged with false report of a crime (M1). He was booked into the Polk County Jail and later released after posting a $1,000 bond.
READ: Polk County Deputies Arrest Winter Haven Man With Stolen Jacksonville Car And Drugs
Lakeland Police Department Chief Sammy Taylor issued a statement following Hayes’ arrest.
“On the evening of July 19, 2025, the Lakeland Police Department was notified by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office about the arrest of Detective Michael Hayes,” Chief Taylor said. “Immediately after being notified of the arrest, I ordered an administrative investigation and placed Detective Hayes on administrative leave in accordance with our agency’s policies and procedures. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has our full cooperation as they proceed with their criminal investigation.”
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