A 14-year-old on probation is linked to two stolen cars through forensic analysis, leading to his confession and multiple charges.
LAKELAND, Fla. – An investigation into two stolen vehicles took a sharp turn last week, thanks to the work of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Forensics Investigations Unit. The case, which highlights the critical role of forensic science in modern law enforcement, resulted in the arrest of a 14-year-old suspect on probation for a series of felonies.
The incident began on Sunday, September 14, when two separate Lakeland residents reported that their vehicles had been stolen. The first, a 2020 Kia Forte, was reported missing at approximately 8:15 a.m. Just two hours later, a second resident discovered his Toyota Tacoma had also been taken.
The Toyota owner, however, had a key advantage: a mobile app that tracked his vehicle’s location. He shared the data with deputies, pinpointing his stolen truck in a field off of Parker Street West…