On April 22, 2025, at 5:14 p.m. LakelandPD officers were called to Michael’s in the 2600 block of South Florida Avenue where a male suspect reportedly ran out of the store with a cash register drawer. Employees said the man had been in the store for over two hours and at some point asked questions about the cash register. After donning latex gloves, the suspect took advantage when the employee walked away from the register. The suspect walked behind the counter, yanked the cash drawer from behind the counter, and fled on foot.
Responding officers quickly located Juan Carlos Figueroa Cruzado (age 42 of Lakeland) in the 3500 block of South Florida Avenue, still in possession of the cash drawer. Figueroa was arrested for Grand Theft, Burglary to an Occupied Structure, and Criminal Mischief.
This is just another example of the fantastic work our officers do every day for our community!