MULBERRY, Fla. – A shoplifting call at the Mulberry Walmart on Tuesday escalated into a violent struggle with a deputy, resulting in the arrest of a Valrico man on numerous felony charges.
The incident began at approximately 5:19 p.m. on November 11th, when a Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputy was dispatched to the Walmart store regarding an in-progress retail theft. Store security had observed a male suspect, later identified as 58-year-old Homero Saenz of Valrico, concealing merchandise under his shirt before pushing a shopping cart full of additional items out of the store without paying.
Security personnel attempted to stop Saenz, but he refused their demands and continued to exit the premises.
The deputy quickly arrived and located Saenz. When the deputy ordered Saenz to stop, he again refused. As the deputy moved to place Saenz under arrest, the suspect allegedly physically resisted the deputy’s efforts.
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The situation escalated when the deputy deployed a Taser to subdue Saenz, but the device was initially ineffective. According to the PCSO report, Saenz then grabbed the Taser and attempted to take it from the deputy. The deputy managed to retain the device and successfully discharged an incapacitating shock, allowing the deputy to secure Saenz in handcuffs.
Following the arrest, the deputy recovered the stolen merchandise, valued at $237.39, from both the shopping cart and from a girdle-like band Saenz was wearing above his waist under his shirt.
Saenz was transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center where he now faces an extensive list of charges, including:
- Attempted Escape (Felony Second Degree)
- Resisting with Violence (Felony Third Degree)
- Felony Petit Theft (Felony Third Degree)
- Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (Felony Third Degree)
- Attempting to Deprive a Law Enforcement Officer of a Protection Device (Felony Third Degree)
- Unlawful Possession of a Shopping Cart (Misdemeanor First Degree)
- Resisting a Merchant (Misdemeanor First Degree)
- Resisting without Violence (Misdemeanor First Degree)
Saenz has a significant criminal history, which includes prior convictions for offenses such as grand theft, motor vehicle theft (twice), burglary, and possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
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