A north Lakeland man’s quick walk with his cat on October 6 turned into an unusual burglary when a thief swapped his $5,000 bicycle for a less valuable one.
The victim left his garage door briefly open near Socrum Loop Road. Upon returning, he found his high-end bike missing, replaced by an unfamiliar bicycle in a neighbor’s driveway—a clear sign the thief arrived on wheels and left on wheels.
Later that day, a Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy spotted the stolen bike being ridden on US 98 near Maple Street. Using the patrol vehicle’s PA system, the deputy ordered the rider to dismount and get on the ground.
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Christopher Ray Stillwell of Lakeland, complied and was arrested without incident. During questioning, Stillwell allegedly admitted to leaving his own bike behind to steal the more valuable one.
Stillwell faces multiple charges, including burglary, grand theft, and possession of methamphetamine. Authorities also noted an outstanding warrant from Baker County for prior burglary and grand theft charges.
The stolen $5,000 bicycle was successfully recovered and returned to its owner.
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