PCSO –
A disturbance was reported Saturday afternoon (June 15th) in the area of US 98 North and Duff Road in Lakeland.
When PCSO deputies arrived, the man who had been causing the disturbance had left.
He was identified as 38-year old Joshua Garrett from Lakeland, and deputies learned that he was wanted for Violation of Probation (Burglary, False Info to Pawnbroker, and Trafficking in Stolen Property), so naturally they went looking for him.
Deputies went to a business nearby where Garrett is employed. When they got there, they were able to confirm that Garrett was seen entering the business, but never leaving.
The deputies conducted a quick search of the building, but didn’t find him. They had reason to believe Garrett was hiding in the ceiling, because a few ceiling tiles were disturbed, and because they heard Garrett’s phone ringing.
As the deputies continued their search, they spotted a hand sticking out from under the insulation. Thankfully, the hand was attached to a body—Garrett’s…and not just some random disembodied hand. That would have taken this situation into a whole other direction.
Garrett was removed from the ceiling…probably all sweaty and covered with bits of insulation. Blahhh!
Joshua Garrett was booked-in at the Polk Pokey on his warrant and additionally charged with resisting and felony criminal mischief (for causing about $1,000 worth of damage to his employer’s ceiling).
