Suspects Nabbed In Burglary; 20 Officers Nearby

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Suspects Nabbed In Burglary; 20 Officers Nearby

By Bill Bair
THE LEDGER


Published: Monday, November 17, 2008 at 9:20 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, November 17, 2008 at 9:20 p.m.
LAKE WALES | Two Frostproof men picked the wrong time to attempt a burglary at Sky Powersports.

The pair triggered an alarm at the business at 20769 U.S. 27 N. about 9:50 p.m. Sunday as about 20 Lake Wales police officers were completing a training exercise about 1 mile north of there at the Eagle Ridge Mall.

Several Polk County Sheriff's deputies and the Sheriff's helicopter were also in the area.

The alarm company notified police, who watched the burglars on the business's security camera.

Deputy Chief Chris Velasquez said that when the first officer arrived at the business, both suspects climbed from the fenced area and fled in separate directions.

Charles Jackson, 21, of 1751 Fort Meade Road, was caught immediately, after he ran west across U.S. 27.

Darius Jamal Malcolm, 17, of 204 Hopson Road, ran into a heavily wooded area next to the business.

Officers and deputies immediately established a perimeter around this area as the Sheriff's helicopter began guiding ground officers along with a K-9 toward the suspect.

The suspect fled deeper into the woods, but officers caught up with and took him into custody.

When officers checked the fenced area of the business, they discovered an all-terrain vehicle with the key in the ignition and the lights on.

Velasquez said the ATV as well as others would have undoubtedly been stolen during this burglary if not for the quick response and teamwork between the two law enforcement agencies.

Both men denied any wrongdoing after their arrests.

Jackson was charged with burglary and resisting an officer without violence.

Malcolm was charged with burglary, trespassing, and resisting an officer without violence.

[ Bill Bair can be reached at bill.bair@theledger.com or 863-676-7118. ]