LAKELAND, Fla. – A patrol in the Skyview area of Lakeland on Saturday morning led to the arrest of a man riding a stolen bicycle, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Around 6:30 a.m. on October 11, Deputy Wade spotted 25-year-old Billy Jay Hurd riding a bicycle that matched the description of one reported stolen the previous day. When the deputy attempted to stop him, Hurd fled on foot but was quickly caught after tripping while looking back at the pursuing officer.
Hurd initially claimed he ran because he thought he had an outstanding warrant in Brevard County, which turned out to be untrue. Deputies confirmed, however, that he was on probation for prior convictions, including burglary of a dwelling, burglary of a structure, and felony petit theft.
When questioned about the bike, Hurd falsely stated he had owned it for five days. Investigators confirmed the theft had occurred only one day earlier. Deputies noted one statement Hurd made that may have been true—his comment that he was “going back to prison.”
A search of Hurd revealed methamphetamine and a pipe. He was booked into the Sheriff’s Processing Center and faces multiple charges, including burglary, felony petit theft, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer, and violation of probation.
