WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – A stolen bicycle was recovered and a local man arrested this week after the victim spotted the bike for sale on Facebook Marketplace and reported it to authorities.
The bicycle was stolen from a woman’s residence on Leisure Drive on June 1st. Initially, the victim did not report the theft, doubting recovery chances. However, she changed her mind after seeing the distinctive bike listed online for sale under the name Allen O’Neill. After contacting the seller, the Facebook listing was promptly removed.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) was notified, and detectives identified “Allen O’Neill” as Rusty Allen O’Neil Waddle, a Winter Haven resident. Upon searching Waddle’s home, deputies recovered the stolen bicycle.
Waddle claimed he bought the bike from someone named “Tony” and intended to return it once he realized it was stolen. However, his failure to communicate with the victim or notify police contradicted this claim.
Waddle, who has a prior burglary record, was arrested and faces charges of burglary, petit theft, dealing in stolen property, and using the internet to deal in stolen property. He is currently held at the Polk County Jail.
