Three juveniles arrested and stolen SUV recovered 15 hours after Winter Haven theft, facing multiple charges including grand theft and fleeing to elude.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – Three teenagers were arrested by Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies late Saturday night, just 15 hours after they allegedly stole an SUV from Winter Haven. The vehicle, a 2020 GMC Terrain, was reported stolen to the Winter Haven Police Department around 8:45 a.m. that morning.
The break in the case came around 11:45 p.m. when the PCSO received information that the stolen vehicle was traveling west on Winter Lake Road from US Hwy 17 in Winter Haven. PCSO deputies, aided by the agency’s helicopter, quickly responded to the area.
A deputy located the stolen SUV parked at the Circle K store on Spirit Lake Road at Winter Lake Road. Noticing two teenagers in dark clothing exit the store and approach the vehicle—while a third suspect remained in the driver’s seat—the deputy strategically waited for backup.
The situation escalated when the two suspects on foot spotted the patrol car and began making hand gestures to the driver while walking away. The driver then backed the SUV out of the lot, fleeing the scene.
A Lieutenant arriving on the scene intercepted the two suspects fleeing on foot. The suspects, identified as Mason Stepney, 15, and Thailyn Polynice, 16, both of Winter Haven, refused to comply with orders to stop and were subsequently taken into custody with the assistance of another deputy.
The driver, identified as Henry Joiner, 16, of Poinciana, led deputies on a brief pursuit, heading north on Spirit Lake Road. He fled for approximately one mile before slowing down and surrendering to deputies, with the PCSO helicopter providing overhead support.
During questioning, the teens provided conflicting accounts of the evening but admitted to meeting up in the stolen vehicle—which was allegedly picked up by Joiner—and planning to smoke marijuana that evening. Deputies located marijuana inside the stolen vehicle. Stepney and Joiner were reportedly wearing black masks to conceal their identities.
All three juveniles were arrested and taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center. The stolen GMC was successfully returned to its owner.
The trio is now facing a variety of charges. Henry Joiner is charged with: Grand theft of a motor vehicle (F3), Fleeing to elude (F3), Reckless driving (M2), Possession of marijuana (M1), Possession of paraphernalia (M1), and Keeping a vehicle for drug use (M1).
Mason Stepney is charged with: Grand theft of a motor vehicle (F3), Possession of marijuana (M1), Possession of paraphernalia (M1), and Resisting arrest (M1).
Thailyn Polynice is charged with: Grand theft of a motor vehicle (F3) and Resisting arrest (M1). Polynice also has a prior arrest for battery.
“I’m very proud of my team for swiftly apprehending these juvenile felons before they could commit any more crimes in the county,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated. “While they are all facing serious charges, there is still time for them to make better decisions and turn their lives around. We hope that they heed that advice.”
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