Lake Wales Police officers are investigating a theft of lawn equipment at a Lowe's hardware store on Feb. 16.
- Suspect stole lawn mower, pressure washer
- Suspect initially attempted to "return" items for refund
- Theft caught on surveillance video
Officials said the suspect, an unidentified white male, entered the Lowe's location at 23227 U.S. Highway 27 on the date of the incident, placed a self-propelled lawn mower in a shopping cart, then attempted to "return" the lawn mower for a refund.
When the Lowe's employee refused to complete the transaction, the suspect took the lawn mower out of the store and loaded it into his car without paying for it. He then went back into the store, picked up a pressure cleaner, and left without paying for it, either.
The suspect was seen driving a dark-colored SUV or pickup. The total value of the stolen items, according to investigators, is $420.98.
Lake Wales Police asks that anyone with information about the suspect or the crime contact Detective Jonathan Fletcher at (863) 678-4223, extension 264, or call Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-8477.