In a decisive crackdown on organized crime, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd revealed the apprehension of six individuals, including a 17-year-old alleged gang leader, for their involvement in a spate of car burglaries with a specific focus on stealing firearms in Lakeland.
During a press conference, Sheriff Judd detailed the alarming operation, highlighting that these six documented gang members executed no less than 38 car burglaries in just three nights, all with the sole intent of pilfering guns for future criminal activities.
The rash of car burglaries unfolded in three separate neighborhoods: Reflections West, Christina Oaks, Highlands Crossing, and Mission Hills. The criminals specifically targeted vehicles with the highest likelihood of housing firearms, often identifying them by window and bumper stickers with pro-gun messages.
Sheriff Judd characterized the group’s intentions as deeply troubling, with their sights set on obtaining firearms for further criminal endeavors. Their methods included the use of a window punch to break into mostly locked cars, leaving valuable items like credit cards untouched, as they prioritized firearms.
The 17-year-old suspect, facing an astonishing total of 75 charges with a gang enhancement, will be prosecuted as an adult. His charges encompass serious offenses such as armed burglary, possession of a machine gun, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
During the investigation, a concerning video surfaced on the teen’s phone, depicting him mock-firing a Glock handgun at three juveniles, including a 17-month-old toddler.
Eldred Kellum, aged 23, was also apprehended on 63 different charges, with a gang enhancement included. Kellum is accused of working closely with the 17-year-old to coordinate the burglaries and participate in several of them.
The other arrests include De’Andre Guilford, Taurean Sumrall, Javien Sterling, and Eric Denson. The sheriff’s office confirmed that two of the seven stolen guns have been recovered.
All six suspects have been identified as documented gang members, with four of them facing gang enhancement penalties. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has chosen not to disclose the name of the gang at this time, marking a significant victory in curbing their criminal activities.