LAKELAND, Fla. — A Lakeland police officer was arrested for falsely reporting a crime after alleging that three juveniles threw an object at his agency-issued vehicle, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
Michael Hayes, 42, a 12-year veteran of the Lakeland Police Department and detective assigned to the Property Crimes Unit, told deputies his unmarked Chevrolet SUV’s window was shattered on Friday while driving down Yates Road. Hayes claimed that juveniles had thrown something at his vehicle. During the incident, Hayes said he ran over a small sign while attempting to pursue the suspects, causing damage to the front of his vehicle.
However, deputies discovered a photo taken 24 hours prior to Hayes’ report showing the SUV’s back window already broken. When confronted, Hayes admitted he believed his child had broken the window with a baseball and panicked, leading to the false report.
Hayes was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail before being released on a $1,000 bond. Lakeland Police Chief Sammy Taylor confirmed Hayes has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
“In accordance with our agency’s policies, we are fully cooperating with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as their criminal investigation continues,” Chief Taylor said.
