LAKELAND, Fla. – A patrol in the Skyview area of Lakeland on Saturday morning led to the arrest of a man riding a recognizable stolen bicycle, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 11th, Deputy Wade was patrolling when he spotted 25-year-old Billy Jay Hurd of Lakeland on a bicycle. The deputy recognized the bike as one that had been reported stolen just the previous day.
When Deputy Wade attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Hurd immediately fled on foot. The chase quickly ended, however, when Hurd, looking back at the pursuing deputy, tripped and fell. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Upon questioning, Hurd initially claimed he ran because he believed he had an outstanding warrant from Brevard County. While no such warrant existed, authorities confirmed that Hurd was on probation for prior convictions, including burglary of a dwelling, burglary of a structure, and felony petit theft.
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When asked about the bicycle, Hurd claimed he had possessed it for five days—a statement quickly proven false as the bicycle was reported stolen only the previous day. The Sheriff’s Office noted that Hurd did make one statement that “was likely truthful” when he allegedly said he was “going back to prison.”
A search following the arrest found Hurd to be in possession of methamphetamine and a pipe.
Billy Jay Hurd was transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and booked on multiple charges, including burglary, felony petit theft, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer, and violation of probation.
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