Additional Charges Added to Wesley Graves for his 3 Day Crime Spree

Editor's Review

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WESLEY GRACE – ADDITIONAL CHARGES:

On Monday, June 27, 2016, PCSO Deputies investigating multiple cases on the East side of unincorporated Polk County have added on 30 more charges to inmate Wesley Grace, DOB 11/25/1984.

Grace now has 69 total charges.

The new charges are:

1 count Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle (Theft of ATV committed May 1, 2016, on Juniper Drive in Dundee);

4 counts Grand Theft of Firearm
1 count Armed Residential Burglary
1 count Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon
1 count Possession of Ammunition by Convicted Felon
(Theft of 3 rifles and a shotgun, ammo, tools, and jewelry, committed May 1, 2016, during a residential burglary on North Scenic Hwy in Lake Wales);

1 count Grand Theft
1 count Trespass
(Theft of ATV & trespassing on private property committed May 12, 2016, on Lake Mabel Loop Road in Waverly);

2 counts Grand Theft
(Theft of Ford F-250 pickup truck with motorized wheelchair in the back, committed May 21, 2016, on Timberlane Rd in Lake Wales);

1 count Grand Theft
1 count Trespass
(Theft of golf cart & trespassing on private property committed May 24, 2016, on North Scenic Hwy in Dundee);

1 count Grand Theft (Theft of ATV committed on May 25, 2016, on Vista Del Lago Blvd in Dundee);

1 count Grand Theft (Theft of trailer with a bicycle on it, committed June 12, 2016, on Canal Road in Lake Wales);

1 count Attempted Grand Theft (Attempted theft by hot wiring of Peterbilt semi truck committed between June 11-13, 2016, on Bannon Island Road in Haines City);

1 count Structure Burglary
1 count Attempted Grand Theft
(Attempted theft of a Kubota tractor from a storage area on the property – the tractor crashed & got stuck on a fence on the property, committed on June 18, 2016, on Lake Hatchineha Road in Lake Wales);

1 count Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle (Theft of 2006 Kia committed on June 12, 2016, on Avalon Road in Kissimmee – Kia later found on fire in Dundee, now an arson case being investigated by State Fire Marshal);

3 counts Grand Theft of Firearms
1 count Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle
1 count Grand Theft
1 count Armed Business Burglary
1 count Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon
1 count Possession Ammo by Convicted Felon
(Theft from a warehouse office of 2 handguns, a rifle, ammo, gun case, and a laptop, committed between June 15-22, 2016, on Ingram Ranch Road in Haines City);

1 count Structure Burglary
1 count Grand Theft
(Theft of go-cart from a detached garage, committed between June 20-22, 2016, on Poe Road in Lake Wales).

One-man crime spree doesn’t adequately describe this.

Original Release of Charges:

Wesley Grace Charges

On Saturday, June 25, 2016, 31-year-old Wesley Grace was booked into the Polk County Jail with 39 charges incurred over a three-day time span when he stole three vehicles, fled from law enforcement, shot at law enforcement, and other warrant charges from May 2016. He is being held on no bond.

The following are excerpts from his affidavits, and they are self-explanatory:

PCSO CASE 16-28204

Between 06/19/2016 @ 1930 hours and 06/20/2016 0700 hours Wesley Grace DOB 11/25/84, removed a Kubota ATV from the victim’s fenced business by driving the RTV out a wooded area on the south side of the property. The suspect drove the RTV around the business and north onto the cultivated citrus grove belonging to Olsen groves of Dundee, Florida. The suspect then traveled south crossing over Scenic Highway into the cultivated citrus groves belonging to Dun-dee Citrus. The suspect then traveled southwest to the area of CF Kinney road where the RTV became stuck on a large pile of citrus tree limbs. The suspect then placed a 4 duffel bags and a plastic tote of clothing, tools, knife, coke cans, cell phone, radar detector, and other personal items. The suspect left the listed items in the citrus belonging to Ford Citrus groves without the victim’s permission. The Kubota RTV was processed by Sheriff’s office Crime scene and returned to the owner. All items left at the scene were taken by Sheriff’s office Crime scene into evidence. While tracking the RTV to the location it was determined the suspect drove through and damaged two barb wire fences containing cattle that belong to Clarence Wilson. The fences were damaged to the point cattle could leave the property.

The suspect then returned back to the business and removed a second Kubota RTV from the business. The suspect then exited the business again without the victim’s permission. The suspect then traveled east out of the area and in an unknown direction.

On 06/22/16 @ approximately 0030 hours the Kubota RTV was observed by Det. Danny Peters at the intersection of Poinciana Parkway and Hatchineha Road. Det. Peters attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle by activating his emergency lights and siren in his marked patrol vehicle. The suspect fled across a county owned soccer field and was lost in a wooded area.

On 06/24/2016 the Kubota RTV was recovered in a planted pine tree block of property off Ridgewood Ave. in Dundee, Florida. Located at the scene were shoe impressions that matched photos taken under case # 16-28793 Assist Other Agency case and shoe impressions photographed under case #16-28813. The suspect was located on 06/25/2016 after abandoning the fuel truck he stole during case # 16-28813. The shoes that left the impressions at all three locations were recovered inside the stolen fuel truck at 719 Saddlewood Blvd. Lakeland, Florida. The Kubota was taken to Sheriff’s office Crime Scene and processed for latent prints and DNA.

On 06/24/2016 a witness gave a recorded statement to Det. Jeremy Davis regarding her car that was stolen by the suspect. She Positively identified a knife recovered at the scene of the first Kubota RTV as Wesley Grace’s. She stated he had the knife on him the day he stole her car. She stated the cell phone and radar detector located in the property were hers taken from her car.

The suspect made no statements regarding any of the incidents during the interview that took place at Heart of Florida Hospital Haines City, Florida.

Charges

810.02(4)(A)	2 counts	F3	BURGLARY-UNOCCUPIED
812.014(2)(C)3	2 counts	F3	GRAND THEFT – $10,00
810.09(2)(A).	3 counts	M1	TRESPASS PROP OTHER
403.413(4)	1 count	M1	DUMP LITTER UNDER 50
810.115(2)	2 count	F3	BREAK/INJURE FENCE C
316.1935(1)	1 count	F3	FLEEING TO ELUDE

PCSO CASE 16-28793

On 6/25/2016 at approximately 1452 hours a white male suspect stole a white Chevrolet 5500 dump truck with T&T Pipeline on the side pulling a trailer with an excavator loaded on it. The subject was armed with a black handgun with a light on it, which he pointed at two subjects who attempted to retrieve the vehicle. Bartow Police Department responded and issued a BOLO for the vehicle at approximately 1509 hours.

At approximately 1537 hours Ofc. Joyner (Lake Wales PD) observed the vehicle travelling along Hwy 60 East bound east of Lake Wales. Air 2, flown by Deputy Sheriff Pilot Rob Gray, responded to the scene and observed the vehicle traveling along Mammoth Grove Road northbound, which then turned right on Lake Park Road, and again right on Lake Thomas Drive. The vehicle drove in a circle and then proceeded into the groves south of Lake Thomas Drive. Approximately one half mile into the groves the suspect vehicle and trailer became bogged down in the sand and was no longer able to travel. The suspect exited the vehicle, and began to flee on foot. D/S Gray maintained visual contact with the suspect, who stopped running, turned and looked up at him and took a two hand high point stance and began to fire a handgun toward the helicopter. D/S Gray stated he observed the muzzle flash from the gun and heard the shots being fired. D/S Gray stated he was in fear for his life and felt the suspect was attempting to kill him.

Sgt. Smith and Ofc. Mongeon with the Lake Wales Police Department advised they were closest to the dump truck when it became disabled. They observed a white male wearing a red shirt exit the vehicle and flee into the orange grove. A few moments later they heard approximately six gun shots, four and then two a few seconds later. They could not see the suspect while this occurred.

A rifle magazine containing live ammunition was located inside the cab of the dump truck. The driver of the dump truck advised he had no weapons or ammunition within the vehicle prior to the vehicle being taken.

Based on the physical description provided to Bartow Police Department, Wesley Thomas Grace was developed as a possible suspect. It was learned that he had a warrant for PCSO charges. On 6/25/2016 suspect Grace was observed by witnesses fleeing from a tanker truck stolen from Lake Park Road between the evening of 6/23/2016 and the morning of 6/24/2016. Grace stole another truck, and was later apprehended after a pursuit.

Grace was advised of his Miranda rights at the Heart of Florida Regional Hospital on 6/25/2016. During a post-Miranda interview Grace admitted he stole the dump truck in Bartow. He explained the door was left open, and that he then fled the area. He admitted that he observed officers following him with lights and sirens going, and that he turned down a road and became trapped. He drove in a circle attempting to try and escape but saw all of the law enforcement officers and knew they were chasing him and wanted him to stop. He then plowed into the orange groves and drove in the direction of Hwy 60 until he became stuck, which he blamed on the trailer. He then fled from the area on foot, and escaped by running and then “army crawling” under orange trees to reach other rows. He denied having a gun and firing any shots. He advised he did not know whose groves he was in. He admitted he knew he should not be in possession of any guns due to his felony conviction. He explained that he ran from law enforcement because he believed they had a “shoot-to-kill warrant” out for him and he was scared for his life. He said he felt he needed to do whatever he could to stay alive.

A criminal history of Grace from CIC Operator Adkins showed 12 felony convictions, the most recent being on 4/9/2009 for Aggravated Assault. Grace matched the physical description provided by the victims of Bartow Police Department’s investigation and that provided by the responding officers and deputies.

Based on the investigation I have determined sufficient probable cause exists to charge Wesley Thomas Grace with Attempted Murder of a LEO, Armed Trespassing, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon, and Resisting an Officer w/o Violence.

Charges

777.04(1).	1 count	FL	ATTEMPTED 1ST DEG MURDER/LEO
843.02	1 count	M1	RESIST OFFICER W/O VIOLENCE
810.08(2)(C).	1 count	F3	ARMED TRESPASS
790.23(1)(A)…	1 count	F2	POSS OF FIREARM CONVICTED FELON

PCSO CASE 16-28813

Between 06/23/2016 at 1300 hours and 06/24/2016 @ 0700 hours Wesley Grace, DOB 11/25/84, removed a Ford F-600 truck with a 1200 gallon fuel tank on the back of it from the listed incident location (Lake Park Road / Mammoth Grove Road). The fuel tank contained approximately 850 gallons of diesel fuel. The truck was valued at $10,000.00 and the fuel was valued $2,000.00. Shoe impressions at the scene were the same shoe impressions of those regarding case #16-28793 where the suspect fled from Law Enforcement on foot after a vehicle pursuit by PCSO and Bartow PD. The suspect fled the area in the fuel truck in an unknown direction.

On 06/25/2016 the suspect was observed in the fuel truck in front of 719 Saddlewood Blvd Lakeland, Florida by the witness. The suspect fled the vehicle on foot and was later arrested at 4801 Bannon Island Road when he was arrested for other charges under case #16-28973. The shoes matching the impressions at the theft scene of the truck were located in the fuel truck when it was recovered at the Saddlewood Blvd.

The suspect drove the commercial truck from the original incident location transporting 850 gallons of diesel fuel with no Hazmat endorsement. The suspect was charged with operating a CMV with no CDL and unlawfully possession of any conveyance with fuel tanks, transporting on a public roadway.

Charges

810.02(4)(B)	1 count	F3	BURGLARY-UNOCCUPIED
812.014(2)(C)3	1 count	F3	GRAND THEFT – $10,00
810.09(2)(A).	1 count	M1	TRESPASS PROP OTHER
316.80(1)	1 count	F3	UNLAWFUL CONVEYANCE OF FUEL

PCSO CASE 16-28981

On 06/25/2016, The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Sadddlewood Boulevard, Lakeland in reference to reports of a known suspect being observed in the area. The reportee advised they observed Wesley Grace and a stolen fuel truck related to a previous incident involving the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Units responded to the area in attempts to locate the suspect and vehicle.

At approximately 08:30 hours, the victim, Renata Walker, was contacted by her husband. He warned her that the Sheriff’s Office was on scene attempting to locate the suspect. The victim walked outside of her residence to secure and check the premises. As she exited her residence she observed a black male subject underneath a barn near her residence. She observed the suspect leaning over a four wheeler which is stored in the area and is covered by the barn structure. At this time the suspect yelled something at the victim, but she was unable to hear what it was. The suspect began to walk towards the victim. As the suspect got closer, she observed it was a white male which was completely covered in mud. The suspect stated that he needed her help and continued to walk towards her. The victim retreated into her residence to contact Law Enforcement.

The victim’s residence is surrounded by a wooden fence. Access is gained through two metal gates which were closed at the time. The victim heard the gate as it was opened by the suspect. The victim then heard the suspect start her vehicle and drive it away. The vehicle was parked under a covering designed to protect the victim’s vehicles from the elements. The covering is attached to the victim’s residence. The approximate value of the victim’s vehicle is $32,000.00. While fleeing from the location, the suspect used the victim’s vehicle to ram the second gate at this location. The suspect’s actions caused damage to the victim’s gate. The gate swung open as a result and damaged the victim’s fence which was constructed to contain livestock. The estimated value of damage is $250.00

The Polaris ATV was inspected at the incident location. The ignition was observed to have been tampered with. The ignition was pulled through from the plastic housing and was hanging off to the side of the ATV. This is consistent with someone attempting to steal the vehicle.

The suspect was later observed in the area of Highway 27 and Highway 544 by units of the Lake Hamilton Police Department. The unit was a fully marked patrol vehicle completed with installed emergency equipment (markings, lights, and siren). Units activated their emergency equipment as they were behind the suspect. The vehicle continued to flee at a high rate of speed and did not stop or yield. Units lost sight of the vehicle as it turned onto Bannon Island Road. As units turned onto the road they located the vehicle in the orange grove. The suspect was observed fleeing the vehicle on foot by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office air unit. The suspect ran into the grove located at this area. The grove is an agricultural area and the suspect did not have permission to enter the land. The suspect was arrested at this location.

The following is a synopsis of the post Miranda statement made by the suspect. The suspect stated that he ran through the swamp today to elude Law Enforcement. He normally looks for places nasty to run in so no one can follow him. The suspect stated that he came out of the swamp and eventually observed a residence. He stated that a truck was located at the residence and the keys were located in the truck, so he took it. He only took the truck in attempts to get away from Law Enforcement. He stated that he made it to Old Polk City Road and was heading towards Haines City. He then turned south onto Highway 27. The suspect observed several police vehicles in the area. The suspect stated that he continued to turn off the roadway because you can’t stay on the same road for too long. He stated “the truck eventually just died which is why he had to flee on foot, or else I would have gotten away.” The suspect advised that he was covered in mud from running through the swamp. The suspect was covered in mud, wearing fatigues and a camouflage shirt.

On 06/25/2016, the suspect did enter onto the property belonging to the victim without permission. The suspect did attempt to steal a Polaris ATV which is a motor vehicle according to F.S.S. The vehicle was parked underneath a permanent structure and was behind a gate and fence. The suspect did intentionally and unlawfully enter the curtilage of victim’s residence. The suspect opened a gate and entered the victim’s pickup truck which was parked underneath a permanent structure attached to the residence. The suspect intentionally and unlawfully entered the victim’s vehicle with the intent to commit a crime within. The suspect did intentionally and unlawfully take the vehicle for the purpose of evading Law Enforcement. The suspect did use the vehicle to ram the main gate to the victim’s property. The act was done intentionally and maliciously. The gate cause additional damage to the victim’s secondary fence. The fence was constructed to contain live stock. The suspect did use the vehicle to flee from Law Enforcement. Law Enforcement was on duty at the time and operating agency issued, fully marked vehicles. The suspect was placed under arrest and transported to the Polk County Jail without incident.

Charges


810.09(2)(A).	2 counts	M1	TRESPASS PROP OTHER
810.02(4)(A)	1 count	F3	BURGLARY-UNOCCUPIED STRUCTURE
812.014(2)(C)6.	1 count	F2	GRAND THEFT – MOTOR VEHICLE
810.02(3)(A)	1 count	F2	UNARMED BURGLARY – OCCUPIED
810.02(4)(B)	1 count	F3	BURGLARY-UNOCCUPIED CONVEYANCE
812.014(2)(C)6.	1 count	F3	GRAND THEFT – MOTOR VEHICLE
806.13(1)(B)2..	1 count	M1	CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
810.115(2)	1 count	F3	BREAK/INJURE FENCE
843.02	1 count	M1	RESIST OFFICER W/O VIOLENCE
316.1935(1)	1 count	F3	FLEEING TO ELUDE

PCSO WARRANT ISSUED ON MAY 31, 2016:

On 05/29/2016 at approximately 1545 hours the victim was in his vehicle in front of 7300 Hastings Road in unincorporated Lake Wales, Florida. The victim advised he was waiting to pick up his daughter from the residence. The victim stated he was parked on the east side of Hastings Road, with his vehicle facing north.

The victim advised the suspect, Wesley Grace, DOB 111/25/84, was operating an ATV (four wheeler) traveling northbound on Hasting’s Road. The suspect was traveling at a high rate of speed and came very close to striking the driver door side mirror of the victim’s vehicle. The suspect then turned around and pulled up to the driver’s side door of the victim’s vehicle. The victim advised the suspect was so close to his vehicle that he could not open his driver door. The victim stated that the suspect was approximately two feet from him. The victim stated that he observed a “long gun” on the suspects four wheeler. The victim advised the “long gun” was laying along beside the suspect. The victim advised he has had prior military experience and prior law enforcement experience and knew the firearm to be a tube fed .22 caliber rifle.

The victim stated the suspect was immediately aggressive and started yelling at him “what, what, what.” The victim stated he advised the suspect that he almost hit his vehicle and which time the suspect started yelling at him [expletive]. The victim advised he did not personally know the suspect, but that the suspect had been recently trespassing in his pasture, by riding his four wheeler through it.

The victim advised during the incident he asked the suspect what you are doing with a long rifle. The suspect then stated that it was a BB gun. The victim advised that he told the suspect that he knew it was a rifle because he saw that it was tube fed. The suspect then advised the victim, “times are hard out here man, times are hard.”

During the incident the victim stated he told the suspect he needed to keep off his property, at which time the suspect became more agitated and told him “I know where you live, I got something for you, [expletive] I got something for you.” The victim advised as the suspect is saying this he reached down and started to grab the rifle. The victim advised he told the suspect “don’t do it, don’t do it, no, no, no.” The victim advised the suspect’s action did cause him to fear that the suspect would harm him with the firearm. The victim advised that he was scared because all the suspect had to do was bring the firearm up and he had no way to protect himself. The victim advised the suspect then continued to curse at him and then finally left the scene on the four wheeler.

On 05/31/2016 the victim positively identified the suspect as Wesley Grace.

During my investigation I determined that the suspect is a convicted felon. The suspect was arrested on 11/13/2008 for three separate counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon without the intent to kill. The suspect was convicted on 04/09/2009 for the same charges.

Based upon my investigation and the sworn interview of the victim, I find probable cause that the suspect committed the criminal act of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

I also find probable cause that the suspect committed the criminal act of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon without the intent to kill. Based upon the sworn interview of the victim, I determined that the suspect intentionally, by word and act threaten to do violence to the victim and had the apparent ability to do so, by being in possession of a firearm. These acts cause a well-founded fear, in the victim that such violence was imminent.

I also find probable cause the suspect committed the criminal act of Persons engaged in criminal offense, having weapons. Based upon the sworn interview of the victim, I determined the suspect committed the felony offense of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon without the intent to kill. During the incident I determined the suspect was in possession of a firearm and threaten to use the firearm.

This affidavit was completed charging the suspect with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Persons engaged in criminal offense, having a weapon and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon without the intent to kill.

Charges

Charge	Counts	Level	Charge Literal
790.23(1)(A)…	1 count	F2	POSS OF FIREARM CONV
784.021(1)(A)..	1 count	F3	AGG ASSAULT DEADLY W
790.07(2).	1 count	F2	USE/DISPLAY FIREARM