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Oct 16, 2025

Would-be car thief attempts escape from patrol car

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey

An attempted motor vehicle theft occurred at the Circle K on North Combee Road, east of Lakeland, on Wednesday, October 15th, at around 11:35 pm.

The owner of the vehicle confronted the suspect, and the suspect attempted to punch him. 

A PCSO deputy arrived on scene quickly and detained the suspect who was identified as 32-year old Samuel Damon-Kyle Hudgins of Winter Haven.

Hudgins was handcuffed and placed into the back of a patrol car while the deputy began his investigation.

During the investigation, Hudgins kicked out the window of the patrol car and tried to get out of the vehicle, but his attempt was swiftly foiled. 

Hudgins resisted, and threatened to kill deputies.

Samuel Hudgins was transported to the Sheriff's Processing Center and charged with: Escape, Grand Theft Motor Vehicle, Threatening a LEO, Resisting, Criminal Mischief, and Assault.