Winter Haven, Florida – On 1-1-16 at approximately 10:30 p.m., the female victim stopped at 3 Brothers Convenience store located at 223 Ave T., NE in Winter Haven. As she got back into her vehicle, 14 year-old Michael Taylor ran up to the driver’s side and opened the door while pointing a handgun at the victim.
Taylor got the victim out and he got into the driver’s seat while an unknown accomplice got into the passenger seat. They drove out of the parking area west on Ave. T, NE.
At approximately 2:50 a.m. on 1-2-16, an officer on his meal break spotted the vehicle in the area of 6th St SW and Ave. C SW. The officer caught up to the vehicle and attempted to make a lawful traffic stop with his emergency equipment activated.
The driver accelerated and attempted to flee the officer. A pursuit ensued with speeds reaching more than 100 mph.
As Taylor was on Lake Howard Dr. he lost control of the 2000 Taurus and the car left the roadway at Ave. A, SW. The vehicle hit a tree and stopped before going into the lake. Taylor was uninjured.
During the interview with Detectives, Taylor stated that he needed a ride and that he knew it was wrong to steal a car. He told the Detective “Sometimes I don’t be thinking.”
Taylor was taken into custody and charged with Carjacking with a Firearm, a first-degree felony.
Taylor was recently released from Juvenile custody on Dec. 19, 2015.
