News and Investigations

Polk County Sheriff's Office deputies assisted the Winter Haven Police Department on Thursday, August 10, 2017, at 2:38 a.m. with the arrests of 18-year-old Martel Nealey, of Grave Dale Circle in Riverview (armed conveyance burglary, resisting without violence, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor), 17-year-old Key'vis Atkins, of Legacy Crescent Place in Riverview (armed burglary, possession of a firearm by a minor, and VOP Robbery with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and resisting LEO without violence), and 17-year-old Marqual Anetus, of Temple Palms Ave in Tampa (armed conveyance burglary, resisting without violence, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia,  and possession of a firearm by a minor).

PCSO K-9 Unit deputies and the Aviation Unit assisted WHPD in locating the three suspects who committed a vehicle burglary in the Normandy Heights Subdivision and fled from a WHPD Sergeant.  

K-9 Unit deputies and the PCSO helicopter responded to assist WHPD. The initial K-9 track led the deputies between houses, along a retention pond, and east into a backyard where a handgun was located next to a block wall. Further during their track deputies also found another hand gun at the fence leading into Shipp Reck Harper Mobile Home Park.

The Aviation Unit observed the suspects jumping a fence ahead of the K-9 team. As the K-9 team approached two suspects, they fled into a carport attempting to conceal themselves, but surrendered after two K-9 warnings. One of the suspects had an empty handgun holster in his waist band. The third suspect was found in a plastic trash can on the side of a residence and was placed under arrest.

Both handguns recovered on the track were determined to be stolen out of Hillsborough County. The investigation and suspects were turned over to WHPD.

"Two of these suspects have extensive criminal histories. Another has a previous burglary and a grand theft charge. Our juvenile justice system is failing to hold these kids accountable. Our citizens' lives and property are at risk when juvenile criminals run rampant." - Grady Judd, Sheriff

All three suspects have criminal histories:

Key'Vis Atkins:

• 05-04-2017 Hillsborough County S.O. - Violation of Probation
• 01-07-2017 Hillsborough County S.O. - Violation of Probation
• 04-07-2016 Hillsborough County S.O. - Robbery with a firearm
• 02-20-2016 Hillsborough County S.O. - Grand theft
• 12-23-2014 Hillsborough County S.O. - Burglary and grand theft
• 06-13-2011 Hillsborough County S.O. - Two counts failure to appear
• 06-25-2010 Tampa P.D.  - Burglary and grand theft

Martel Nealey:

• 09-27-2016 Hillsborough County S.O. - Carrying a concealed firearm and petit theft
• 04-07-2016 Hillsborough County S.O. - Robbery with a firearm
• 11-22-2014 Hillsborough County S.O. - Robbery and possession of marijuana
• 01-31-2014 Hillsborough County S.O. - Possession of marijuana

Marquel Anetus:

• 07-02-2017 Hillsborough County S.O. - Burglary and grand theft 

 Their mug shots are attached from their previous Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrests