Marvell Parkinson, 18, (pictured) and a 17-year-old boy were arrested by Polk County Sheriff’s Office for burglarizing an empty Lake Wales, Florida, home
Two boys were arrested for breaking into a home after its residents evacuated to escape Hurricane Irma, making for three people who have been detained for such acts so far.
Marvell Parkinson, 18, and a 17-year-old boy were arrested by Polk County Sheriff’s Office for burglarizing an empty Lake Wales, Florida, home.
A witness noticed that two suspects were at the back of her neighbor’s home on Friday around 1.45pm on Beverly Drive.
They ran when they noticed her but were taken into custody.
According to the deputies, the 17-year-old suspect had a window punch in his pocket. He told them that they had walked through the neighborhood until they located a house that had not been boarded up.
Entering the home through the back door, they stole a set of keys and the younger boy opened the garage door for his accomplice.
Parkinson allegedly then tried to use the keys to steal a 2001 Dodge Intrepid but the battery was dead.
Two people were arrested for burglarizing a home after its residents evacuated ahead of Hurricane Irma, deputies said.
A witness noticed that two suspects were at the back of her neighbor’s home on Friday around 1.45pm on Beverly Drive. They ran when they noticed her but were taken into custody
‘We want everyone to be safe during the hurricane. And we will not tolerate thieves taking advantage of those evacuating their homes. Looters need to be prepared to go to jail if they try to take advantage of people during a state of emergency,’ said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd in a press release.
Both suspects have criminal histories, including burglary, grand theft and possession of marijuana.
They join 30-year-old Keith Adams who was caught burglarizing Atlantic Hardscapes in St. Lucie on Saturday
They face multiple charges including burglary of an occupied dwelling during a state of emergency, resisting arrest without violence and unarmed burglary of a residence.
Parkingson was additionally charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
They join 30-year-old Keith Adams who was caught burglarizing Atlantic Hardscapes in St. Lucie on Saturday.
A member of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office was patrolling shuttered homes along North U.S. 1 when he spotted Adams.
‘I have said over and over that we will not tolerate looting or price gouging,’ said Sheriff Ken J. Mascara.
‘We have deputies actively patrolling the county, including our beach communities, to ensure the safety and security of your homes and businesses.
‘If you think you are going to take advantage of these evacuated properties, be prepared to spend the storm at the county jail.’