A routine shoplifting call at a Winter Haven Walmart unexpectedly led police to Kelly Curtis Crowley, a suspect wanted in a domestic violence case.
At 11:43 AM on Wednesday, officers responded to a domestic violence incident at a residence on Avenue F SE, but the suspect, 35-year-old Crowley, had fled on a bicycle before police arrived. A BOLO (Be On The Lookout) alert was issued with his description.
Less than an hour later, officers responded to a Walmart at 355 Cypress Gardens Blvd. for a shoplifting report. There, they apprehended 31-year-old Zachary McCourt, who was caught stealing $952 worth of merchandise.
While arresting McCourt, officers spotted Crowley riding his bicycle in the Walmart parking lot, matching the earlier BOLO description. He was taken into custody without incident.
Crowley, who has prior domestic violence convictions dating back to 2010, was booked into Polk County Jail on charges of:
Domestic Battery by Strangulation (3rd-degree felony)
Domestic Violence Prior Conviction (3rd-degree felony)
McCourt was also booked on a felony theft charge for his third offense.
