POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Two adults and a juvenile from Altamonte Springs were arrested earlier this summer in Polk County after deputies intercepted them in a stolen vehicle, leading to the discovery of drugs, a stolen firearm, and burglary tools.
A deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office spotted a 2016 Mazda CX-5 on I-4 near Lakeland that had been reported stolen in Orange County. The deputy quietly requested backup, and responding units coordinated a strategic stop.
Two deputies ahead of the Mazda created a temporary traffic jam near County Road 557. As traffic came to a halt, the deputies boxed in the stolen SUV and arrested the three occupants without incident.
The suspects were identified as:
Schuyler Barry-Austin, 19
Vertrelle Walker Jr., 21
Deontrae Walker, 16
All three were wearing masks and gloves at the time of their arrest. A search revealed that Schuyler, the driver, had a stolen handgun from Orange County and narcotics packaged for sale.
Charges:
Vertrelle Walker Jr.: Grand theft of a motor vehicle, possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis, possession of burglary tools, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and possession of narcotic paraphernalia.
Schuyler Barry-Austin: Grand theft of a motor vehicle, grand theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, operating a vehicle for narcotics sales, possession of cannabis with intent to sell, possession of cannabis over 20 grams, possession of burglary tools, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Deontrae Walker: Grand theft of a motor vehicle and possession of burglary tools.
Due to their use of masks during the crime, all charges are subject to enhancement under Florida law. PCSO confirmed that each suspect has a prior criminal history.
