A backyard backpack theft in Lakeland turned into a neighborhood car chase, a rammed patrol vehicle, and a precision stop in a ditch before deputies finally pulled a suspect out of a white Volvo station wagon, according to Polk County authorities.
Deputies say 31-year-old Gavin Ledbetter of Lakeland grabbed a backpack from a driveway, jumped into a white Volvo, and sped away as witnesses watched. The bag reportedly held about $1,200 in work equipment, including a laptop, keys, and battery packs. A neighbor provided the Volvo's Mississippi license plate, and deputies soon spotted the car on Kathleen Road and tried to box it in near Duff Road and Green Road, according to a news release from the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
How The Lakeland Chase Ended
As reported by FOX 13 Tampa Bay, deputies tried to stop the Volvo at Duff and Green, but the driver allegedly threw the car into reverse, hit the gas, and struck the front bumper of a deputy's vehicle just as the deputy was getting out. A pursuit followed through the area until deputies used a precision immobilization technique, or PIT maneuver, spinning the Volvo into a grassy ditch. Investigators say the driver initially ignored verbal commands and had to be physically removed from the car. One deputy suffered a minor laceration.
Per the Polk County Sheriff's Office release, a search of the Volvo turned up methamphetamine, cannabis, drug paraphernalia, and the stolen backpack in the back seat. Detectives say Ledbetter admitted taking the bag while driving through neighborhoods, told deputies he was under the influence of methamphetamine, and first gave them a false name before being properly identified.
Charges And What Comes Next
Ledbetter was booked on a long list of charges that local reports describe as grand theft, resisting with and without violence, aggravated assault and battery on law enforcement, fleeing or attempting to elude, possession of methamphetamine and marijuana, and keeping a vehicle for narcotics use, according to FOX 13 Tampa Bay. Deputies say he is also facing an additional count for providing false identification to law enforcement. Public reports did not include booking details or court dates.
Ledbetter remains in custody in Polk County, and investigators say the stolen items were recovered and returned to the victim, according to West Orlando News. The Sheriff's Office release includes a booking photo and media contact information for the case.
