Considered one of two Florida housebreaking grand theft suspects with a protracted criminal history bragged that he could be out of jail shortly after his arrest earlier than he realized he was taken into custody in a county the place the regulation is enforced by a no-nonsense sheriff with a tough-on-crime platform.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd mentioned his deputies noticed a stolen Dodger Ram simply after 1 a.m. Wednesday. The driving force, recognized as Tamari Lucas, 24, a Tampa resident, and a passenger finally stopped the truck and fled on foot, authorities mentioned.
Lucas was arrested however the passenger was not discovered, Judd mentioned. Upon his arrest, Lucas allegedly informed the deputies that he would not be in jail for lengthy as a result of he was arrested in Osceola County. He was then knowledgeable that he was in truth taken into custody in Polk County.
Tamari Lucas, 24, allegedly bragged about getting out of jail early whereas being arrested for grand theft auto till he came upon he was in Polk County, the place Sheriff Grady Judd is the sheriff, authorities mentioned. (Polk County Sheriff’s Workplace)
“Oh, my God! Not Grady Judd! Are you (expletive) serious? This really sucks because you guys don’t play around in Polk County,” he allegedly acknowledged.
“Well the reality is, we want all burglars to understand that nobody plays,” Judd informed reporters throughout a press convention.
Judd has a popularity for being a no-nonsense sheriff who by no means minces phrases and is ceaselessly seen at information conferences condemning criminals. His blunt method has gained over his regulation enforcement colleagues and residents.
Judd was elected sheriff in 2004 and started his fifth time period in 2021.
Lucas is charged with grand theft motorcar, not having a legitimate driver’s license, two counts of felony mischief and fleeing to elude regulation enforcement. He has a prolonged felony historical past that features 30 earlier felony prices, 12 earlier misdemeanor prices, and 19 re-arrest prices, the sheriff’s workplace mentioned.
A few of Lucas’ earlier prices embrace aggravated assault with a weapon, a number of counts of grand theft auto, dealing in stolen property and aggravated battery, amongst others. He has eight felony convictions.
FLORIDA MAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY REFUSING TO PAY FOR ‘WAFFLE HOUSE’ TATTOO
Tamari Lucas, 24, and Jeremiah Hamm, 14, had been each arrested Wednesday in separate grand theft auto crime, authorities mentioned. (Polk County Sheriff’s Workplace)
Shortly earlier than Lucas’ arrest, deputies took into custody 14-year-old Jeremiah Hamm on suspicion of grand theft auto. The deputies had been following a stolen 2000 Nissan pickup truck on Interstate 4 and boxed in Hamm with assist from the Florida Freeway Patrol.
“What am I getting charged with, grand theft auto?” Hamm requested when he was taken into custody, Judd mentioned.
He informed deputies that he had a court appointment the next day for a earlier grand theft arrest and was fearful that he would miss it, authorities mentioned.
Hamm, at 14, has earlier arrests for theft with a firearm, armed housebreaking, grand theft, aggravated assault with a weapon, resisting arrest, drug possession and trespassing, authorities mentioned.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“These two thieves are running rampant and they obviously don’t take our criminal justice system seriously,” Judd mentioned. “Why is this 14-year-old out at 1:00 in the morning stealing cars and committing burglaries? Where are the adults in his life? We will absolutely hold these two accountable; we are just not going to tolerate this nonsense.”
