Two Lakeland men, Bradley Shaw, 21, and Caiden Kirkland, 20, were arrested early Wednesday morning after a series of car burglaries in the May Grove Village neighborhood. Their capture was made possible by a vigilant resident and the quick response of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
The incident began around 3:00 a.m., when a resident noticed brake lights flashing on a neighbor’s parked car. He then saw Shaw and Kirkland opening car doors and attempting to burglarize his own vehicle. When confronted, the suspects fled the scene in a golf cart.
The resident immediately called 911 and followed the duo while deputies quickly responded. PCSO deputies apprehended both suspects as they tried to dispose of masks and gloves.
Charges Filed Against Shaw & Kirkland
Both suspects were transported to the Polk County Jail and face multiple charges, including:
Unarmed Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling (3 counts, mask enhancement)
Trespassing (2 counts)
Loitering and Prowling (6 counts)
Conspiracy to Commit Burglary
Possession of Burglary Tools
Tampering with Physical Evidence
Resisting Arrest Without Violence
Burglary of a Conveyance
Petit Theft (2nd offense)
Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification
Authorities credit the alert resident and swift law enforcement response for preventing further crimes in the area.
