Six identified gang members were arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) in an operation dubbed “Operation Gangs & Guns.”
The group is accused of committing at least 38 car thefts and theft of seven firearms in the south Lakeland area.
Incident Details and Arrests: The thefts occurred over three nights in four different neighborhoods in South Lakeland: Reflections West: 13 car thefts on March 11.
Christina Oaks: 11 car thefts on May 26. Highlands Crossing & Mission Hills: 14 car thefts on May 28.
Sheriff Grady Judd stated that the perpetrators specifically targeted vehicles with pro-gun or conservative stickers because they assumed the owners would keep guns inside.
They often ignored other valuables, such as credit cards, and focused solely on the firearms. As of the last report, only two of the seven stolen guns had been recovered.
Key Suspects and Charges: The suspects face nearly 200 charges in total, many of which carry gang enhancements that can increase sentences.
Kingston Pringle (17): Described as a “field commander” and “organized criminal mastermind.” He faces 75 charges, including directing criminal gang activity and possession of a machine gun. He was charged as an adult.
Javien Sterling (19): Recruited by Pringle as a driver during the Highlands Crossing and Mission Hills heists.
He faces 40 charges. Eric Denson (18): Driver during the Reflections West heist.
In addition to the theft charges, he also faces a first-degree attempted murder charge from the Lakeland Police Department. While in jail, he was found in possession of a homemade shiv.
Other suspects include Eldred Kellum (23), who faces 63 charges, Taurean Sumrall (22), who allegedly sold stolen guns, and De’Andre Guilford (22).
Police also found disturbing videos on the suspects’ cell phones, showing them pointing modified automatic firearms at small children.
Crucifixion should straighten these “people” out. Nail some sense into them.