POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Joe Edward Phillips, 39, of Bartow, was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) on Tuesday after being spotted by the Aviation Unit committing traffic violations.
At approximately 1:43 p.m., a PCSO pilot patrolling the area of Rifle Range Road and Bomber Road in Wahneta observed a motorcyclist engaging in traffic infractions. The pilot directed ground patrol units to the motorcycle’s location, leading to a traffic stop.
The driver initially identified himself as Charles Phillips, and the motorcycle was found to have no license plate. However, further investigation by the deputy revealed the driver’s true identity as Joe Edward Phillips.
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It was also discovered that the motorcycle had been reported stolen out of Osceola County three years prior.
In addition to driving a stolen motorcycle, Phillips was found to be driving without a valid driver’s license, which was currently suspended, and lacked the required motorcycle endorsement.
Phillips was subsequently arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail. He faces charges of grand theft of a motor vehicle, driving while license suspended (third subsequent offense), providing false identification to a law enforcement officer, driving an unregistered vehicle, and operating a motorcycle without the proper endorsement.
A conviction on these charges could result in Phillips’ fifth prison sentence.
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