Homeless Man Claims Repair Shop Manager Gave Him Permission to Use Vehicle, Police Find Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia in Car
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – A homeless man is facing multiple charges, including grand theft of a motor vehicle and drug possession, after being found in a stolen car he claimed he was given permission to use.
Christopher Rodriguez, 27, was arrested on August 4, 2025, after Winter Haven police located a stolen 2016 Honda Civic he was driving. The vehicle had been reported missing earlier that day from Gifted Hands Auto, a repair shop where it was left for body repairs. The manager of the shop discovered the car was gone when he contacted the owner, who confirmed she had not authorized anyone to take it.
According to a police report, officers spotted the vehicle around 11:30 p.m. near Lucerne Park Rd and Winter Ridge Dr. A traffic stop was initiated, and officers made contact with Rodriguez…