Bartow Police Department Press Release
Between 08/07/18 and 08/08/18, a boat and trailer valued at $17,000 was stolen from a resident in Bartow. On 08/08/18 at approximately 4:20am, officers observed the victim’s stolen boat parked along the roadway of CR 555 near the south city limits. Officers observed a white four-door SUV parked next to the boat. As officers approached the boat, they observed several black males enter the SUV which then fled south on CR 555. The vehicle fled from Officers east on CR 640 to Hwy 17 where two subjects fled on foot from the vehicle. The vehicle driver was captured in the area and identified as 21 year old, Theophlous Clay, DOB 05/10/1997. The second subject who fled on foot was not apprehended and remains at large. Located in the rear of the vehicle was 50 year old, Willie Lott, DOB 07/22/68.
Burglary tools and bolt cutters were located near the stolen boat and in the suspect’s vehicle. It is apparent the subjects were in the process of attempting to “strip” the boat and steal the outboard motor.
Theophlous Clay was arrested and charged with grand theft, fleeing to elude, and possession of burglary tools.
Willie Lott was arrested and charged with grand theft and possession of burglary tools.
The third suspect remains at large and detectives are attempting to ascertain his identity.
