LAKE WALES, Fla. – A Tampa woman is behind bars after stealing a $6,000 necklace from a Kay Jewelers location in Lake Wales and running from police.
On September 20, 2023 at approximately 3:19pm officers from the Lake Wales Police Department were dispatched to Kay Jewelers, 483 Eagle Ridge Dr., in reference to a reported robbery that had just occurred.
Officers were told the suspect entered Kay’s Jewelers and asked to see a 10k gold, 24”, necklace valued at $6,000.00.
When the employee handed the suspect the necklace to try it on the suspect immediately fled with the necklace, police say.
In the news: 2 Florida Men Sentenced For Armed Postal Carrier Robberies In Multiple Cities
While responding to the call, some officers responded directly to Kay’s Jewelers while others circulated the area.
A suspect and vehicle description were given out over the radio.
Officers located the suspect and suspect vehicle in the parking lot of the Gate gas station, just north of the Eagle Ridge Mall.
“Officers attempted to stop the suspect in the parking lot but she jumped in her vehicle and took off. The suspect fled out of the parking lot, across HWY 27, into area of the Sunshine Flea Market, located at 24200 HWY 27, where she was blocked in,” said Lake Wales Police.
Officers were able to take the suspect into custody without further incident.
The suspect was identified as Shaneka S. Webb, a 37 year old Tampa resident.
Webb was no longer in possession of the stolen necklace when detectives placed their silver “bracelets” on her. Webb would not say what she did with the necklace. She was positively identified by those who witnessed the theft.
In the news: Tampa Fentanyl Dealer Gets 15 Years For Leading A Drug Trafficking Conspiracy
Webb was booked into the Polk County Jail on the charges of Grand Theft, Fleeing to Elude, and Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (Habitual Traffic Offender).
Police say Webb has an extensive criminal history which includes previous grand thefts, violent crimes, drug charges, and fraud.
If you have any information regarding this crime or a similar crime, please contact Lake Wales Police Department Detective David Arana at (863) 678-4223 extension 2007.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps