FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A Flagler County man was arrested on multiple charges after attempting to steal two lawn mowers from a Home Depot in Palm Coast and fleeing from deputies on January 11, 2025.
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Willee Parker, 42, was charged with grand theft, trespassing, providing a false name to law enforcement, and violation of probation.
The incident began when deputies responded to a shoplifting report at the Palm Coast Home Depot. Store employees informed officials that Parker, who had been recognized from previous encounters, attempted to steal two lawn mowers. When confronted by a store employee in the parking lot, Parker fled the scene, leaving the mowers behind.
Authorities located Parker nearby at a gas station. When deputies approached, the clerk informed them that Parker was inside the restroom. After Parker exited, he was positively identified and arrested.
During questioning, Parker admitted to attempting the theft but gave a false name and birthdate, later explaining that he did so because of outstanding warrants. Further investigation revealed Parker had been trespassed from Home Depot in 2023.
Sheriff Rick Staly remarked, “This guy apparently has not learned his lesson, because he keeps trying to steal and keeps getting caught… Let this be a lesson to criminals that you can’t get away with any of that in Flagler County!”
Parker was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held without bond.