Lakeland carjacking suspect seen on surveillance video

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A victim was carjacked in the parking lot of Bonefish Grill in Lakeland, and her car was later found, crashed and burned. 

Polk County officials released surveillance video of the carjacking suspect in the parking lot of a nearby 7 Eleven moments before the incident happened, early Sunday morning. 

The Polk County Sheriff's Office said the victim was in her car, about to leave the parking lot on Pipkin Road West, when a man came up to the driver-side window. She said it looked like he had a chain wrapped around his fist. 

He told her to get out of the car, so she did. He got in and drove west, PCSO said.

Her car, a Toyota Avalon, was later found, crashed and burned at the intersection of West Pipkin Road and County Line Road.

The suspect was described as a white male, slim build, approximately 5'8" tall, wearing a dark t-shirt, shorts, and a ball cap. Anyone with information about the suspect or carjacking is asked to call Detective Music at 863-298-6921.

To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, call 1-800-226-TIPS or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com