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Florida man arrested after allegedly attempting to steal 2 lawn mowers, fleeing, lying about identity
Deputies say they arrested Willee Parker, 42, on multiple charges, including grand theft, trespassing, providing a false name to law enforcement and violation of probation.
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. - Deputies said they recently arrested a Florida man on multiple charges after he attempted to steal two lawn mowers from Home Depot, ran from the police and lied about his identity.
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office said the man has been identified as 42-year-old Willee Parker.
Official reports show Parker is being charged with grand theft, trespassing, providing a false name to law enforcement and violation of probation.
Parker was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held without bond, sheriffs said.
Deputies said they arrested Willee Parker, 42, on multiple charges. (Flagler County Sheriff's Office)
Tracking the investigation
The Backstory: On the afternoon of Saturday, Jan. 11, deputies said they responded to a shoplifting incident at Home Depot in Palm Coast.
Officials said they spoke to the store’s asset protection investigator, who stated a man, who was recognized from previous encounters, had attempted to steal two lawn mowers from the store. Officers said the man was identified as Parker. The employee said he then confronted Parker in the parking lot, and Parker fled, abandoning the lawn mowers, reports show.
What We Know: Deputies in the area said they observed a person matching Parker’s description entering a nearby gas station. When they entered the gas station, officials stated, the clerk told them Parker was in the bathroom. When Parker left the bathroom, deputies reported they positively identified him as the suspect and arrested him.
RELATED: Palm Coast man arrested for grand theft auto following police surveillance
'He hasn't learned his lesson'
What They're Saying: Deputies said Parker admitted to trying to steal the lawn mowers, but he gave a false name and birthday. When asked why he lied, Parker stated "because I have warrants," reports show.
"This guy apparently has not learned his lesson, because he keeps trying to steal and keeps getting caught," said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. "And not only that, he knew he had warrants, came into our county and tried to lie to our deputies. Let this be a lesson to criminals that you can’t get away with any of that in Flagler County! If you’re a fugitive or a thief, you (had) better avoid Flagler County!"
What's Next: Officers said they also found that Parker had been previously trespassed from Home Depot in 2023.
Records show Parker was arrested for grand theft, trespassing, providing a false name to law enforcement and violation of probation.
He also was arrested on his out-of-county warrants, sheriffs stated.
Officials said Park was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held without bond.
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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.