What started as a routine burglary call at a Lake Wales car-sales lot on U.S. 27 South ended with a Sarasota man in handcuffs this week, after authorities say he rifled through multiple vehicles and a shipping container before trying to bolt.
According to law-enforcement accounts, the suspect allegedly entered several vehicles on the property, went into a shipping container, and took off with multiple items. A Lake Wales police officer detained him near the scene, and Polk County deputies later took custody. Authorities identified the man as 32-year-old Christian Michael Liddy of Sarasota.
On Thursday, March 5, 2026, a burglary of a car sales business on US 27 South in Lake Wales was reported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Unknown suspect entered multiple vehicles and a shipping container and stole several items. The suspect fled but was later arrested. https://x.com/i/status/2030313497989390708
— Polk County Sheriff 🚔 Grady Judd (@PolkCoSheriff) March 7, 2026
Arrest and charges
According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, the burglary was reported on March 5, 2026, and deputies arrested 32-year-old Christian Michael Liddy of Sarasota in connection with the case. The sheriff's post lists charges that include four counts of burglary of a conveyance (third-degree felony), grand theft (third-degree felony), petit theft (misdemeanor), and resisting without violence (misdemeanor).
Scene and police response
A Lake Wales police officer was first to put the brakes on the getaway, detaining the suspect at or near the business until a Polk County deputy arrived and took him into custody, the Polk County Sheriff's Office reported.
Investigators have not yet released a detailed list of what was taken from the vehicles or the shipping container. The agency says the investigation remains active and has asked nearby residents and businesses to hang on to any surveillance-camera or dash-cam footage from the time of the reported burglary that might help fill in the timeline.
Legal context
Under Florida law, burglary and the specific category of entering a "conveyance" such as a vehicle are covered in Chapter 810. Many unarmed vehicle break-ins are charged as felonies under that statute. Grand theft classifications, which determine whether a theft is treated as a misdemeanor or a third-degree felony, depend on the value and type of property and are set out in Chapter 812. For the statutory language, see the Florida Legislature and the Florida Senate websites.
How to help
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the burglary or the suspect's movements, especially those with security or dash-cam video from the U.S. 27 South area near Lake Wales on Thursday, to come forward.
Tips can be submitted directly to the agency, and anonymous information can be sent to Heartland Crime Stoppers. The Polk County Sheriff's Office website lists phone numbers, online forms, and other contact options for residents who want to share information or check for updates on the case.
