A 57-year-old Lakeland man, Matthew Case, was arrested early on Saturday morning after being found in possession of stolen sheet metal and illegal drugs. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), the arrest took place on March 15th, just before 7:00 AM.
A PCSO deputy observed Case pushing a bicycle and trailer along Walker Road. The trailer was loaded with large pieces of sheet metal, which were protruding into the roadway, posing a traffic hazard. The bicycle was also found to be lacking any lighting, making it difficult to see in the early morning darkness.
A traffic stop was initiated, and Case was identified. Investigators discovered that Case was currently on probation for burglary, had been released from prison in August, and was listed as a career offender in Florida.
During the stop, deputies found methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia in Case’s possession. All items were seized, and Case was arrested. He was transported to the Polk County Jail and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Violation of Probation.
Further investigation revealed that the sheet metal panels, valued at approximately $800, had been stolen from a nearby property. Case was then charged with Grand Theft and Trespassing in connection with the stolen items.
