Teen Crime Spree Shocks Winter Haven: Three Juveniles Arrested After 10-Day Wave of Car Burglaries in Jan Phyl Village

By: Ciara Perez | Investigative Journalist | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published October 1st, 2025

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Three Teens Arrested After 10-Day Car Burglary Spree in Jan Phyl Village

Winter Haven, FL – Three teens are now facing serious charges after Polk County deputies busted a group responsible for a string of car burglaries in the Jan Phyl Village area of Winter Haven. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the 10-day crime spree came to an end on September 29 when deputies tracked down the suspects and recovered a stolen handgun.

A Pattern of “Flipping Handles”

Deputies say the teens had been roaming neighborhoods at night “flipping handles” — testing car doors to see which ones were unlocked. The first reported burglary happened on September 18 on Timberline Road West, when a woman’s wallet containing cash and money orders was taken from her unlocked car.

Home surveillance cameras captured one of the suspects dressed in black, wearing white slides and gloves, and carrying a Nike backpack. That footage was shared on PCSO’s social media to help identify the suspect.

Gun, Cash, and More Items Stolen

Ten days later, on September 28, the group struck again — this time stealing a 9mm Ruger handgun and cash from another unlocked car on Timberline Road East. That same night, two more vehicles were hit on Harmon Lane, where video showed the same suspects carrying the Nike backpack seen earlier. Among the stolen items was a $400 remote control.

By the next day, deputies had a strong lead. Around 6:30 p.m. on September 29, investigators learned the suspects might be living on Saint Paul Drive and using a white Nissan Altima to get to and from the burglary scenes. Deputies soon located a white backpack in the area — inside was the stolen firearm.

Deputies Make the Arrests

Deputies made contact with 17-year-old Deandre Parker and 16-year-old Christopher Lester. Parker admitted the bag was his and that he knew the stolen gun was inside. Lester later identified the third suspect as 14-year-old Caiden Cooper, who was also caught on video during the burglaries.

When deputies went to Cooper’s home, they found the Nike backpack and the white slides he wore while committing the crimes. Although Cooper refused to speak with investigators, deputies say all three teens’ parents cooperated fully.

Sheriff Judd’s Message

Sheriff Grady Judd once again reminded residents about the dangers of leaving vehicles unlocked.

“Teens out at night flipping car handles only means one thing – crimes of opportunity,” said Sheriff Judd. “Please stop leaving your firearms in your vehicles, and please lock your car doors. We’re thrilled we got this stolen gun off the streets, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation during this investigation.”

The Charges

14-year-old Caiden Cooper, who just turned 14 on September 19 and is already on probation for grand theft, burglary, and criminal mischief, is charged with:

Armed burglary (F1)
Grand theft of a firearm (F3)
3 counts of vehicle burglary (F3)
3 counts of petit theft (M1)
3 counts of conspiracy to commit vehicle burglary (F3)
Violation of probation (M2)

16-year-old Christopher Lester faces:

Armed burglary (F1)
Grand theft of a firearm (F3)
2 counts of vehicle burglary (F3)
2 counts of petit theft (M1)
3 counts of conspiracy to commit vehicle burglary (F3)

17-year-old Deandre Parker is charged with:

Grand theft of a firearm (F3)
Tampering with evidence (F3)
Parker also has a prior arrest for criminal mischief.

All three teens were taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center. Deputies believe their arrests have brought an end to the string of burglaries that had neighbors on edge for days.

Stay with iSkyNews.com for the latest updates from Polk County.

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