LAKELAND, Fla. – A Lakeland police officer trainee has resigned after being arrested for shoplifting at a Winter Haven Walmart. Huascar Evangelista Vargas, 27, was arrested on February 19th, 2025, and submitted his resignation on February 24th.
According to the Winter Haven Police Department, Vargas was observed by a Walmart Asset Protection employee failing to scan items at a self-checkout register and switching price tags on produce items. He ultimately failed to pay for $124.50 worth of merchandise.
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Vargas was arrested for misdemeanor shoplifting and transported to the Polk County Jail. He had been with the Lakeland Police Department since November 1, 2024, and was still in the field training program at the time of the incident.
“Had Vargas not resigned, he would have been terminated,” stated the Lakeland Police Department in a press release.
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