Lake Wales, FL – In a case that tested the patience of law enforcement officials, justice has finally caught up with a notorious thief. One year ago, on July 11th, 2022, a local business in Lake Wales reported a theft of fuel from their premises. Fuel had been siphoned from a box van and a forklift, with an unsuccessful attempt made on a third vehicle.
Prompt response by deputies ensured that every detail was meticulously documented, and a crucial piece of evidence—a garden hose used in the fuel siphoning—was recovered from the scene. The hose was sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for DNA analysis, leading to a breakthrough in the case.
In June of 2023, the long-awaited results of the DNA test arrived, positively identifying a man named Chase as the primary suspect behind the fuel theft. Armed with this evidence, a diligent detective swiftly obtained an arrest warrant for Chase, charging him with three counts of Burglary of Conveyance and Petit Theft.
On July 2nd, a vigilant deputy conducting routine traffic enforcement in Eagle Lake spotted Chase at a boat ramp and immediately recognized him as the wanted suspect.
Without wasting a moment, the deputy apprehended Chase, who was well-known to law enforcement for his involvement in construction site thefts and catalytic converter robberies. Following his arrest, Chase was promptly transported to the Polk Pokey, where he awaits his day in court.
Sheriff Grady Judd expressed his satisfaction with the resolution of the case, acknowledging that justice may not always be swift but emphasizing the importance of persistence in bringing criminals to account. He commended the efforts of his deputies and investigators who worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and bring closure to the affected business and the community at large.