Florida Man BUSTED at Construction Site: “I Have a Right to Steal—There Was No Signs!”
A Florida man was busted for stealing from a construction site, arguing he had the right to take it since no signs said otherwise—deputies disagreed. 🌐 #News #WinterHavenFL #Florida #Crime
WINTER HAVEN, FL – A Florida man is facing charges after allegedly attempting to justify stealing sod from a construction site by arguing that there were no “No Trespassing” signs to stop him. Authorities say his defense didn’t hold up when deputies arrived at his home to find the stolen sod in plain sight.
Witness Tracks Suspect and Alerts Authorities
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, a witness saw the man brazenly loading 15 squares of sod into a silver 2023 Nissan Altima at an active construction site. Acting quickly, the witness provided deputies with a detailed description of the suspect, his vehicle, and even the license plate number. Not stopping there, the witness followed the man home and relayed his exact address to investigators.
When deputies arrived at the residence, the suspect’s car was right in the driveway, and a wheelbarrow full of sod was sitting in the yard—a clear sign that the stolen turf hadn’t gone far.
Suspect’s Unusual Defense Falls Flat
The man, identified only as JR, allegedly tried to justify the theft by telling deputies he assumed it was fine to take the sod since the property lacked “No Trespassing” signs.
“But that’s not how it works,” the sheriff’s office stated.
As deputies moved to arrest him, JR allegedly attempted to resist by pulling away and trying to retreat into his house. That effort failed, and he was quickly taken into custody.
Facing Charges and a Cheap Crime
Deputies later returned the stolen sod—valued at just $43—back to the construction site.
JR is now charged with grand theft from a posted construction site, trespassing on a posted construction site, and resisting an officer.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Florida
Editor’s note: Photos used for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual subject.
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