A routine patrol in Lakeland’s Skyview area on Saturday morning resulted in the arrest of a man riding a stolen bicycle, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Around 6:30 a.m. on October 11, Deputy Wade spotted 25-year-old Billy Jay Hurd of Lakeland on a bicycle that matched the description of one reported stolen the previous day.
When the deputy attempted to stop him, Hurd took off on foot. The chase was short-lived — while looking back at the deputy, Hurd tripped and fell, allowing officers to take him into custody without further struggle.
During questioning, Hurd claimed he fled because he thought he had an outstanding warrant in Brevard County. No such warrant existed, but officials confirmed he was on probation for previous convictions, including burglary of a dwelling, burglary of a structure, and felony petit theft.
When asked about the bicycle, Hurd told deputies he’d had it for five days — a statement proven false since the theft had been reported only one day earlier. The Sheriff’s Office noted that Hurd made one comment that was “likely truthful,” allegedly saying he was “going back to prison.”
A post-arrest search revealed Hurd was carrying methamphetamine and a pipe.
He was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with burglary, felony petit theft, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer, and violation of probation.
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