Florida Theft Incident Involving Multiple Suspects

Last month, deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 12 adults and three juveniles in Davenport for allegedly stealing food and drinks from a Wawa store located on Old Lake Wilson Road. Additionally, another suspect was taken into custody for hindering the investigation while officers were detaining another thief.

On June 26, store employees notified law enforcement after observing several individuals hiding drinks and food items beneath their clothing. It seems these suspects were acting in coordination, arriving in three different vehicles — a BMW, a Tesla, and a Honda Accord.

According to authorities, the group, which included a number of young adults, engaged in a pattern of going in and out of the store every 15 minutes, with some consuming the stolen items while inside the premises. It was reported that the thefts occurred while some accomplices distracted the staff.

When police arrived, they found the suspects still in the parking lot, preparing to leave. Officers were able to apprehend everyone, recovering some items that hadn’t been consumed yet, as well as empty containers from the finished snacks.

All apprehended individuals admitted to the thefts, which in total, amounted to roughly $40 worth of items — including a Calypso drink, brisket iced tea, a bag of Cheetos, and some ramen soup.

Additionally, surveillance footage from within the store indicated that the theft was well-organized.

Curiously, during the investigation, a man not associated with the suspects approached the group and began shouting at them to refuse cooperation with law enforcement. This individual, identified as Jayden Murphy, 18, was arrested for violating Florida’s Halo Act, which protects active emergency personnel by establishing a 25-foot buffer around them. He faced charges for harassing a first responder and resisting arrest.

Authorities listed 15 suspects in total, providing their names and ages, but I think it’s worth noting that they were mostly visiting from various parts of Florida and were all staying at an Airbnb in the area.

• Angel Quintero, 19, of Winter Springs.
• Jenaiya Saintila, 18, from Hollywood.
• Valencia Saul, 19, residing in Lantana.
• Pervasia Luster, 20, from Boynton Beach.
• Shenia Smith, 19, of Parkland.
• Lillian Brown, 19, also from Hollywood.
• Starlin Hippolite, 18, of Lauderdale Lakes.
• Davens Klerge, 21, from Boynton Beach.
• Garbens Clerge, 18, of Boynton Beach.
• Schneider Joseph, 22, of Lantana.
• Richemont Seraphine, 21, of Lantana.
• William Butler, 18, of Lake Worth.
• Lorendi Sanon, 17, from Boynton Beach.
• Berlanda Saul, 17, of Lake Worth.
• Janine Gonzalez, 17 at the time, from Palm Beach.

As Sheriff Grady Judd noted, this incident reflects a situation where individuals believed they could get away with theft, only to find themselves facing significant consequences. After being detained, all adult suspects were taken to the Polk County Jail, while the juveniles were sent to the Juvenile Identification Center. They were charged with varying misdemeanors, and some adults also faced additional charges related to tampering with evidence and marijuana possession. It’s certainly a stark reminder of the risks involved with such decisions.