37-year-old Juan Hector Mugica of Orlando and 35-year-old Kaycha Lynn Rivera of Bradenton / Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Couple Arrested While Fueling Stolen SUV at Auburndale Wawa, Deputies Say

By Staff Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISN) | Published May 15, 2026

News Brief

• A stolen 2015 Toyota RAV4 was recovered Wednesday night at the Wawa in Auburndale

• Two suspects were arrested after deputies and Auburndale Police boxed in the vehicle at a fuel pump

• The SUV had been reported stolen out of Volusia County

• One suspect allegedly claimed he was not driving despite deputies witnessing him behind the wheel

• Drugs and paraphernalia were also reportedly found during the arrest

AUBURNDALE, Fla. — A routine fuel stop came to an abrupt end Wednesday night when law enforcement officers moved in on a stolen vehicle at a Wawa gas station in Auburndale, leading to the arrest of two suspects.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at approximately 10:47 p.m., when deputies located a stolen 2015 Toyota RAV4 at the Wawa convenience store in Auburndale.

Investigators say units from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Auburndale Police Department quickly coordinated and blocked the vehicle while it was stopped at the fuel pumps, preventing the suspects from fleeing.

The two occupants were identified as 37-year-old Juan Hector Mugica of Orlando and 35-year-old Kaycha Lynn Rivera of Bradenton.

According to deputies, Rivera invoked her right to remain silent, responding only with the word "lawyer."

Meanwhile, deputies say Mugica told investigators, "I was not driving," despite law enforcement reportedly observing him seated in the driver’s position.

Further investigation revealed Mugica’s driver’s license had been canceled since 2013, and he is listed as a habitual traffic offender, according to authorities.

Deputies also reported finding marijuana and drug paraphernalia in Mugica’s possession during the arrest.

The stolen Toyota had originally been reported stolen out of Volusia County. Authorities say the vehicle was towed from the scene and will be returned to its rightful owner.

Both suspects were transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center for booking.

Mugica faces the following charges:

• Grand Theft Motor Vehicle (F3)
• Driving While License Suspended/Revoked – Habitual Offender (F3)
• Possession of Marijuana (M1)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1)
• Refusing to Sign a Criminal Summons (M2)

Rivera was charged with:

• Grand Theft Motor Vehicle (F3)

As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations until proven in court.

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