DAVENPORT, FL — Fifteen people, including three juveniles, were arrested after deputies say they carried out a coordinated retail theft at a Wawa convenience store in Davenport on Friday, June 26.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, store employees at the Wawa on Old Lake Wilson Road reported that a large group was concealing drinks and food inside their clothing before leaving without paying. Investigators say the suspects, who had traveled to Polk County from several other Florida counties and were staying at an Airbnb, entered and exited the store in groups over approximately 15 minutes while working together to distract employees and conceal the thefts.
Deputies arrived before the group could leave the parking lot and detained all 15 suspects. During the investigation, deputies recovered stolen merchandise that had not yet been consumed, as well as empty containers from items that had already been eaten or drank. Surveillance video and witness statements reportedly showed the thefts, and investigators say all of the suspects admitted to taking the merchandise.
The stolen items included Calypso drinks, Brisk iced tea, a bag of Cheetos, and a package of ramen noodles, with a combined value of about $40.
The 12 adult suspects were booked into the Polk County Jail, while the three juveniles were transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center. All 15 face charges of petit theft and tampering with evidence, while the adults were also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. One adult suspect also faces a violation of probation charge, and three suspects were additionally charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia after deputies found narcotics inside a BMW.
During the investigation, deputies also arrested 18-year-old Jayden Murphy of Pomona Park after authorities say he repeatedly ignored commands to leave the area and interfered with deputies by encouraging the theft suspects not to cooperate. Murphy was charged with two counts of harassing first responders under Florida’s Halo Law and two counts of resisting arrest.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the suspects “came to our county, fooled around, and found out,” adding that the group believed it was acceptable to steal food and drinks without paying.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
