The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating an armed carjacking that happened Sunday morning in a Bonefish Grill parking lot in Lakeland.

  • Carjacking happened Sunday at 3:30 a.m. at Bonefish Grill, 225 W. Pipkin Road, Lakeland
  • Man drove off with woman's Toyota Avalon
  • Car was later found burned; authorities seeking suspect

Authorities said a woman was preparing to leave the parking lot Sunday at 3:30 a.m. when a white male approached her driver side window, with what appeared to be a chain wrapped around his hand, and demanded the vehicle, a Toyota Avalon.

The woman got out of the car, the suspect got in and drove off on Pipkin Road, according to officials. She was not injured. Authorities have not released her name.

The Avalon was later found crashed and burned at the intersection of West Pipkin Road and County Line Road.

The suspect is described as a white male, slim build, approximately 5-feet-8-inches tall, wearing a dark T-shirt, shorts, and a ball cap.

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at (863) 298-6921. You can also call 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com to remain anonymous.