Thief lies to Mulberry business, walks away with $40 and a fryer, deputies say

MULBERRY (FOX 13) - An unknown man has been accused of stealing money and a fryer from a Polk County business, after lying about needing a refund, deputies say.

On May 9, around 2:30 p.m., the suspect entered El Carpazo Loco, located at 6980 U.S. Highway 60 West in Mulberry. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office released surveillance video showing the suspect entering the store empty-handed, wearing a gray t-shirt and gray sweatpants. He is seen picking up a Kalorik Air Fryer from one of the aisles and heads toward the cash register.

He sets the fryer down and tells the cashier his mother purchased the same product, but it didn’t work, and asked for a refund, deputies say. The employee handed him two $20 bills. 

The suspect walked away, but turned around to accuse the cashier of short-changing him, deputies say. He told the cashier he received one $20 bill and a one-dollar bill, rather than two $20 bills. It appears the employees refused to provide the cash he requested.

Deputies say the suspect left in a black, newer model sedan, possibly a Chevy. Anyone with information on the suspect’s identity of whereabouts are asked to call Detective Pantalone at 863-499-2400. To send in an anonymous tip call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS or log onto www.P3tips.com to submit your tip.