Lake Wales Police Press Release
On September 20, 2023 at approximately 3:19pm officers from the Lake Wales Police Department were dispatched to Kay Jewelers, 483 Eagle Ridge Dr., in reference to a reported robbery that had just occurred. Officers were told the suspect entered Kay’s Jewelers and asked to see a 10k gold, 24”, necklace valued at $6,000.00. When the employee handed the suspect the necklace to try it on the suspect immediately fled with the necklace. While responding to the call, some officers responded directly to Kay’s Jewelers while others circulated the area. A suspect and vehicle description were given out over the radio. Officers located the suspect and suspect vehicle in the parking lot of the Gate gas station, located at 2950 Ridge Way, just north of the Eagle Ridge Mall.
Officers attempted to stop the suspect in the parking lot but she jumped in her vehicle and took off. The suspect fled out of the parking lot, across HWY 27, into area of the Sunshine Flea Market, located at 24200 HWY 27, where she was blocked in. At this point, officers were able to take her into custody without further incident. The suspect was identified as Shaneka S. Webb, a 37 year old Tampa resident. Webb was no longer in possession of the stolen necklace when detectives placed their silver “bracelets” on her. Webb would not say what she did with the necklace. She was positively identified by those who witnessed the theft.
Webb was booked into the Polk County Jail on the charges of Grand Theft, Fleeing to Elude, and Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (Habitual Traffic Offender). Webb has an extensive criminal history which includes previous grand thefts, violent crimes, drug charges, and fraud.
If you have any information regarding this crime or a similar crime, please contact Lake Wales Police Department Detective David Arana at (863) 678-4223 extension 2007.
If you would like to remain anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers, you can call 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or from your cell phone, dial **TIPS. You can also visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit a Tip”, or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet to provide information.
