By Ciara Perez
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published February 24, 2026
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Career Felon Arrested After Masked Crime Spree Targeting Lakeland Businesses, PCSO Says
LAKELAND, Fla. — A convicted felon with 16 prior felony convictions is back behind bars after Polk County detectives say he carried out a widespread crime spree targeting commercial businesses and stealing thousands of dollars worth of lawn equipment and power tools.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 59-year-old Randy Thomas Whitfield of Lakeland was arrested following an extensive investigation into multiple burglaries, grand thefts, and dealing in stolen property across the area.
Whitfield is facing numerous charges, including 8 counts of burglary, multiple grand theft charges, criminal mischief, possession of burglary tools, dealing in stolen property, and drug possession.
The investigation began on February 9, 2026, when a lawn business on Combee Road South in unincorporated Lakeland was burglarized overnight. Detectives say the suspect cut through a fence and stole backpack blowers, hedge trimmers, weed eaters, and edgers, totaling approximately $13,950 in stolen equipment.
Surveillance footage showed the suspect arriving and leaving in a newer-model white Ford F-150, which became a key piece of evidence. As the investigation progressed, detectives identified a pattern of similar nighttime burglariestargeting fenced commercial properties, where fences were cut and tools were stolen.
Video from several scenes showed a shorter white male wearing a mask, gloves, and dark clothing, further linking the crimes together.
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| 59-year-old Randy Thomas Whitfield / PCSO |
A Polk County crime analyst determined that the white Ford F-150 was registered to Whitfield, and investigators confirmed he had already been charged in two January 2026 Plant City burglary cases involving the same vehicle. He had been arrested on January 14 and released just three days later after posting bond.
The investigation intensified on February 23, when the Lakeland Police Department responded to a burglary at Lakeland Public Works. A masked suspect had cut a fence and stolen a demo saw, a pole saw, and DeWalt grease guns. Detectives confirmed the suspect matched the same individual tied to a November 2025 Lakeland burglary in which about $3,300 in property was stolen.
Detectives then obtained a search warrant for Whitfield’s residence and truck. When investigators arrived at his East Lime Street apartment, they observed Whitfield walking toward his truck holding two saws stolen from Lakeland Public Works.
During the search, detectives recovered a large quantity of stolen tools and equipment, along with illegal drugs, inside the apartment where Whitfield lives alone. Investigators say Whitfield initially admitted to stealing the equipment to sell at a flea market, before refusing to answer further questions.
Because Whitfield wore a mask during the commission of the felonies, all of his Polk County theft-related charges were enhanced by one degree.
Sheriff Grady Judd praised detectives for their work, stating that thorough analysis and cooperation with other agencies helped identify and arrest the suspect responsible for the burglary trend.
“My detectives solved a burglary trend through hard work, thorough analysis, and cooperation with other agencies. This is why crime in Polk County is at an all-time low - we study crime patterns and trends and put the people who are committing the crimes in jail. ” - Grady Judd, Sheriff
Whitfield remains in custody as the investigation continues, and additional charges may be filed.
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