On July 5, 2012 at approximately 8:00 p.m. Lakeland Police received a call from Lakeland Square mall security in reference to two female suspects who had just committed retail theft from the Aeropostal clothing store. Security advised they were following the suspects out in the parking lot. As officers arrived, the suspects attempted to drive away with the stolen merchandise. Officers attempted to stop the suspects from driving away, when they engaged in a physical confrontation with the suspects. The officers were struck by the suspects during the altercation. No officers were injured during the incident. Both suspects were placed under arrest. A search of the suspect’s vehicle revealed hundreds of stolen items from the Lakeland Square Mall and other retail stores throughout the Central Florida area.
Detectives located hundreds of clothing items inside the vehicle. Detectives were able to track the items to ten (10) different retail stores throughout Central Florida. The stores within the city limits of Lakeland are Dillards, Old Navy, Childrens Place and Aeropostal. The total amount taken from the Lakeland Square Mall retail stores is $2,320.34. The total amount of property located inside the suspect’s vehicle was $3,246.34. All of the clothing still had the tags on them.
The suspects were interviewed and transported to the Polk County jail for processing. They were charged with 10 counts of Grand Theft, Battery on a LEO, and Resisting an Officer. Detectives are continuing to investigate and contact the other retail stores.
Arrestees:
Quantavia Ponder B/F DOB: 12/26/89
Teisha Wimbush B/F DOB: 12/4/90
-posted by Ann Dinges, PIO
Comments