Around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21, PCSO bloodhound K-9 Diego and his partner, Deputy Sheriff Joe Ranze, successfully tracked a fleeing suspect who struck an apartment building with his vehicle in Lake Wales, resulting in a swift apprehension.

According to reports, 30-year-old Zachary Herring of 130 E. Northside Drive, Lake Wales, for unknown reasons (it was later determined he had two warrants) crashed a Chevrolet Suburban into apartment number 2544 Elm Ave., Lake Wales, which is located in one of several apartment buildings in a complex. After crashing into the apartment building, Herring fled on foot, reports note.

PCSO deputies in the area quickly established a perimeter around the scene, and Deputy Ranze with bloodhound Diego responded. Diego began his track by sniffing the driver’s seat of the abandoned SUV, and tracked the scent to an apartment two buildings away. He ended the track at the doorknob to the apartment located at 2558 Elm Ave. Inside the apartment (which belonged to a friend of Herring’s), deputies found Herring hiding in a bedroom, and he was arrested without incident.

After his arrest, the PCSO reports that Herring admitted to driving the SUV and fleeing the scene. The victims inside the apartment Herring crashed into were unharmed. Herring was found to have two active felony warrants, and has been booked into the Polk County Jail for additional charges, including leaving the scene of a crash with property damage.

Herring has 11 prior arrests in Polk County, the sheriff’s office reports.

Jeep crashes after phone call

Police say that at the corner of State Road 60 and 3rd Street, the driver of a Jeep Compass heard her phone ring and looked down. Reports say the driver ran into the back of a garbage truck, causing air bags to deploy and severe damage to Jeep.

The driver of the Jeep was issued a traffic citation for careless driving.

Runaway located in Lakeland

According to reports, on Feb. 20, a complainant reported her son — a 15-year-old juvenile — has not returned home.

The last time she saw him was on Friday, Feb. 15, and he was supposed to returned home on Sunday, Feb. 17.

Police say she was been in contact with him until Feb. 19, when she told him that if he didn’t return home she would call the police. The juvenile was located in Lakeland.

There was no foul play and nothing criminal, police say.

Disturbance call

Reports note that Lake Wales Police were called to a scene in reference to a disturbance.

Upon their arrival, several individuals fled the scene. Police say contact was made with a female identified as Shawn Jenkins, who was identified on the CIC, confirming she had three alleged outstanding Polk County warrants for battery, assault and damaging property.

Jenkins was later transported to the Polk County Jail without incident.

Burglary reported

According to Lake Wales Police, a burglary was reported at the Family Restaurant at 109 S.R.. 60 W., Lake Wales.

Entrance was made through the northwest door by breaking the glass. The cash register was stolen and currency with it, reports say.

Retail theft reported

Lake Wales Police were sent to Sears in reference to a retail theft in progress.

Upon arrival, the suspect was located walking inside the Eagle Ridge Mall near Dillard’s, reports say.

The alleged suspect was detained and escorted back the Sears.

While going to Sears, the suspect denied removing any of Sears property from the store. Upon arrival back at Sears, Lake Wales Police reviewed the surveillance video, which police say confirmed the suspect did in fact conceal Sears’ property and exited Sears without making any attempt to pay for the property. The suspect was no longer in possession of the property. Sears’ Loss Prevention advised officers, they followed the suspect to the men’s restroom in the food court area of the mall. The suspect informed officers where he hid the property.

Reports say he advised he hid the property in the men’s restroom underneath a sink.

Officers then went to the men’s restroom, located and recovered the stolen property. The suspect was then taken into custody for the retail theft and later transported to the Polk County Jail without incident.