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…