AUBURNDALE, Fla. – 36-year-old Timothy Lanthrip of Auburndale had a Sunday he probably won’t forget anytime soon. It all started with a leisurely boat trip on Crystal Lake in Lakeland, but things took a turn for the worse when he and his companion took an unplanned dip in the water.
Luckily, a quick-thinking bystander channeled their inner Baywatch hero, grabbing some pool noodles and diving in to save the day. So, no drownings, just a couple of soaked and embarrassed boaters.
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But wait, there’s more! When deputies arrived to assess the situation, one of the boaters, feeling a bit slippery, decided to give a fake name—rookie mistake. A quick fingerprint scan revealed his true identity: Timothy Lanthrip, the proud owner of not one, not two, but SIX outstanding warrants, according to Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Turns out, Timothy had more reasons to fear the law than a little lake water. He was promptly arrested and treated to a complimentary stay at the Polk County Jail, complete with dry clothes and a fresh set of charges.
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So, a big shoutout to the heroic bystander and a gentle reminder to Timothy: honesty is the best policy, especially when you’re dripping wet and facing a deputy.
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