WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – A routine shoplifting call at a Winter Haven Walmart on Wednesday unexpectedly led police to a suspect wanted in a domestic violence case. The unusual chain of events highlights the alertness and responsiveness of the Winter Haven Police Department.
At approximately 11:43 AM, officers responded to a domestic violence call at a residence on Avenue F SE. The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Kelly Curtis Crowley, had fled the scene on a bicycle just before police arrived. Officers obtained a description of Crowley and his clothing, and a BOLO (Be On The Lookout) alert was issued.
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Less than an hour later, at 12:27 PM, police received a call from the Walmart located at 355 Cypress Gardens Blvd. reporting a shoplifter concealing items and heading towards the exit.
Officers arrived to find 31-year-old Zachary McCourt walking through the parking lot with $952 worth of unpaid merchandise. McCourt, who has a prior history of shoplifting and theft in Florida and California, was quickly apprehended.
While detaining McCourt, officers spotted a man matching the description from the earlier domestic violence BOLO riding a bicycle in the Walmart parking lot area. The man was confirmed to be Kelly Curtis Crowley, the suspect from the earlier incident. Crowley was also taken into custody.
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“Squad 3 was on the mark with these arrests,” said Chief Vance Monroe. “This goes to show you that our officers are aware of calls, at all times, regardless of whether they are in the midst of making an arrest or not.” The incident demonstrates how seemingly unrelated calls can sometimes intersect, leading to multiple arrests and showcasing the vigilance of law enforcement.
Crowley, who has previous convictions for battery and domestic violence dating back to 2010, was booked into the Polk County Jail on charges of Domestic Battery By Strangulation (a third-degree felony) and Domestic Violence Prior Conviction (also a third-degree felony).
McCourt was booked on a charge of Felony Theft, 3rd Subsequent Offense (a third-degree felony).
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