Polk County, FL – Zachary Coolidge, 18, of Mulberry, was arrested by Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies following an attempted theft at the Seven Star Store in Bradley Junction on November 1, 2024. Coolidge is facing multiple charges after attempting to steal THC products and vape pens worth approximately $900.
Coolidge, who is a regular customer at the store, tried to conceal his identity by wearing a mask and socks over his hands. However, his disguise failed, as store employees quickly recognized him.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Coolidge walked behind the sales counter, grabbed the THC products, and began to make off with them. When a store employee approached him and removed the items from his hands, Coolidge attempted to flee the scene.
A nearby bystander noticed the situation and stopped Coolidge at the store exit. After a brief confrontation, Coolidge managed to break free and ran outside. The bystander chased Coolidge into the parking lot, where the two men engaged in a brief struggle. Coolidge eventually escaped and fled the area on foot.
The Polk County Sheriff’s detective later located and arrested Coolidge the following day. During questioning, Coolidge admitted that his actions were “impulsive and dumb for doing all this for some weed.”
Coolidge was charged with burglary of an occupied business, grand theft, wearing a mask during the commission of a crime, resisting arrest, and violation of probation (possession of a harmful drug without a prescription). He was booked into the Polk County Jail.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd commented on the arrest: “On October 31st, our suspect turned 18-years old. On November 1st, he decided to commit a crime by trying to steal nearly a thousand dollars’ worth of THC products. Fortunately, a store employee and a bystander decided they weren’t going to let the birthday boy get away with this crime.”
Coolidge is expected to face further legal proceedings following his arrest.
