A north Lakeland man’s short walk with his cat turned into a bizarre burglary when a thief traded his own bicycle for a $5,000 model left in an open garage. The incident happened on October 6 near Socrum Loop Road. When the homeowner returned, he found his expensive bike missing and an unfamiliar one abandoned nearby, suggesting the thief had swapped rides.
Later that day, a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy spotted someone riding the stolen bicycle on US 98 near Maple Street. The deputy ordered the rider to stop using his patrol car’s PA system, and the suspect complied. The man was identified as 38-year-old Christopher Ray Stillwell of Lakeland.
During questioning, Stillwell reportedly admitted to stealing the high-value bike, explaining he had left his own behind in its place. Deputies also discovered he was carrying methamphetamine and had an outstanding warrant from Baker County for previous burglary and theft charges.
Stillwell was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with burglary, grand theft, and possession of methamphetamine. The stolen bicycle was recovered and returned to its owner.
