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3 Car Injury Accident In Frostproof On Hwy 27 Blocking Some Lanes

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Frostproof, Florida – According to the Florida Highway Patrol an accident is currently blocking 2 southbound lanes of Hwy 27 & CR 630. 

According to reports the accident occured at approximately 10:45 am. The accident does involve injuries. 

We have no further details at this time.  

One North East Polk County Man Dead & Another In Jail For Murder

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Kissimmee (Poinciana) man arrested for murder

Poinciana, Florida – Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 29-year-old Daniel Ponce of 423 Mallard Lane, Kissimmee, for stabbing (and killing) 38-year-old Brandon J. Burchett of 580 Finch Court, Kissimmee. Ponce has been charged with 1st Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon. 

According to detectives, at approximately 4:30 p.m. yesterday, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies along with Emergency Medical Services responded to a stabbing at 580 Finch Court, Kissimmee, Florida. Upon their arrival the victim, Brandon Burchett, was located just inside the doorway to his residence, bleeding from apparent stab wounds. He was transported to Poinciana Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 5:15 p.m. Burchett was stabbed with a knife several times in his driveway during a physical altercation with Daniel Ponce.  The suspect is a neighborhood acquaintance of the victim.

Based on information gathered by detectives and interviews with witnesses, Ponce rode a bicycle to the front of Burchett’s residence and began yelling expletives at the victim when he came outside.  Ponce walked into the victim’s driveway and assumed a fighting position, holding his fists up and in front of him.  Ponce then swung at Burchett, which led to a physical altercation. Ponce then retrieved a folding pocketknife from his pocket, opened the knife, and intentionally stabbed the victim in the abdomen area and arm.

Burchett then ran inside of his residence yelling for someone to call 911 and that he had just been stabbed.  Ponce fled the area on a bicycle. Detectives learned there had been some kind of argument between the two on January 27th and Ponce was asked to leave Burchett’s residence and that the two had been arguing via text messages. The text arguments led Ponce to Burchett’s residence where Ponce asked Burchett to come outside via text.

After the stabbing, while Burchett was receiving medical treatment, Ponce called 911 and stated he was at the intersection of Herron Road and Herron Court, not far from the scene.  Deputies arrived and made contact with the suspect, who advised the deputy he had the knife in his right front pocket.  The suspect then admitted to becoming engaged in a physical altercation with the victim and stabbing the victim in the course of the altercation.  Ponce said he was in fear for his life and stabbed the victim in self-defense.

Ponce’s criminal history includes battery domestic violence, possession of drug paraphernalia, and traffic offenses.

Ponce was transported to the Polk County Jail where he is being held on no bond

Kiwanis Pancake Festival Saturday January 28th

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Kiwanis Pancake Festival

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Jan 28, 2017
7:00 am – 12:00 pm

Enjoy pancakes for breakfast served by local celebrity chefs while supporting programs benefiting children through the Winter Haven Kiwanis Foundation. The event will also feature gift basket drawings and free entertainment for all ages. Proceeds support programs benefiting children and families in the greater Winter Haven area.

 

 

 

Florida First Lady Celebrates Literacy at Polk Schools

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Florida First Lady Celebrates Literacy at Polk Schools
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Florida First Lady Ann Scott visited two schools in Polk County this week as our state recognizes Celebrate Literacy Week.
On Jan. 25, Mrs. Scott started the day at Lake Alfred Elementary and then visited Karen M. Siegel Academy. Mrs. Scott let students vote for what book she would read to them, and encouraged them to ask her questions.
For video footage of her visit to Polk County, please visit https://vimeo.com/201197522
For photos of her visit to Lake Alfred Elementary, visit http://bit.ly/2ktgT8S
For photos of her visit to Karen M. Siegel Academy, visit http://bit.ly/2j5ii5o
 
Mulberry High Officially Names Gym For Beloved Coach and Teacher
Mulberry High officially named its gymnasium for Collins Smith, the school’s longtime athletics coach and P.E. teacher. Mr. Smith serves as a city commissioner in Mulberry and was inducted into the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.
For photos from the ceremony on Jan. 25, visit http://bit.ly/2jtT92Y
 
Barrage 8 Performs at Bartow Elementary Academy on Jan. 27
A special music performance from Barrage 8 will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, in the auditorium of Bartow Elementary Academy.
Barrage 8 is a high-energy show featuring a wide range of musical styles. The performance will also have a special guest appearance by orchestra students from Polk County.
Bartow Elementary Academy is located at 590 S. Wilson Avenue in Bartow.
Tickets for the show are $10 for adults, and $5 for students. They can be purchased at www.barrage8.com or at the door. For more information, please see the attached news release.
 
Nominees for Polk County Schools Hall of Fame Accepted Until Feb. 1
There’s not much time left to submit your nominations for the 2017 Hall of Fame. We’re looking for former Polk County Public Schools students who have gone on to distinguish themselves in their careers and communities.
 
The deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 1. Get more info and see past inductees here: http://bit.ly/1LCol3z
 
Polk Symposium on Special Education Scheduled for Feb. 25
The public is invited to a day of learning and sharing at the Polk Symposium on Special Education.
This free event will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lakeland High, 726 Hollingsworth Road.
Families of students with disabilities can learn more about resources available to them and ask questions. An expo area will have agencies and vendors present to provide answers and support.
In addition to workshops, visitors can also enjoy lunch, snacks and opportunities to win door prizes. For more information, contact Lisa Miller, Chair of the Polk ESE Advisory Council, at (863) 698-6240 or [email protected]

Man Uses App To Lure Two Polk County Men Into An Attempted Armed Robbery Situation

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Lakeland, Florida – A Lakeland man is behind bars after attempting to use an App to lure two Polk County men into an attempted armed robbery.

According to Gary Gross, Lakeland Police Department spokesperson, on January 11, 2017 at approximately 7:30 p.m., the victims, James Few and his brother, Joseph Few arranged to purchase a 2006 Chevy Impala that was listed on mobile app letgo. James agreed to meet the defendant, Jarquez Harris, at the Lakewood Terrace Apartments.

After discussing the sale of the vehicle, James Few showed Harris $1000.00 in cash, and agreed to purchase the vehicle. While sitting in the backseat of the victim’s vehicle, Harris pulled a small semi-automatic handgun and pointed it at both victims. Harris demanded the money and counted down from five, but did not shoot the handgun. He then fled on foot without the money, and was wearing a Florida State University maroon sweatshirt.

Lakeland Police Detectives created a letgo profile and began to communicate with Harris about the purchase of a vehicle. Over the course of several days, Harris agreed to meet at the same location, Lakewood Terrace Apartments. When he arrived, Harris was wearing the same distinctive maroon FSU sweatshirt as before and he matched the same general description the victim gave.

Detectives made contact with Harris and he later admitted to the attempted robbery. Harris remains in the Polk County Jail.

Polk State Collegiate High Schools to Host Informational Sessions

Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School and Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School will host informational sessions for current high school sophomores.

The collegiate high schools serve juniors and seniors. Students fulfill high school requirements while also earning college credits. In many cases, students graduate with both their high school diplomas and associate’s degrees. Attendance at the collegiate high schools is free.

In addition to the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degree programs, Polk State’s collegiate high schools also offer courses that lead to industry certification in computer programming and infrastructure, as well as the health sciences. A pre-teaching academy and enhanced STEM curriculum are also available at Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate. Polk State Lakeland Collegiate offers enhanced curriculum programs in leadership and pre­-teaching.

The informational sessions will allow prospective students to learn about the application process, meet with current students, tour the building, and receive tips for preparing for the Post-secondary Education Readiness Test (PERT). To be admitted to the school, students must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average (un-weighted and cumulative) and a passing score on the PERT.
Sessions will be held:
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Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School
February 2, 2017, 6:30 pm

February 13, 2017, 6:30 pm

Polk Sate College

Winter Haven Campus, WST 126

For more information, 863.298.6800
Lakeland Collegiate High School
January 31, 2017, 6:30 pm

February 8, 2017, 6:30 pm

February 16, 2017, 6:30 pm

Polk State College,

Lakeland Campus, LTB 1100

polk-state-3For more information call (863) 669-2322

 

The application period begins ­­­February 1, 2017.
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Polk State College operates three public charter high schools, including Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate in Winter Haven, Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate, and Polk State Lakeland Collegiate. All three high schools allow students to fulfill requirements for their diplomas while also earning college credits.
~Soar Eagles~

Silver Alert Cancelled – Missing Davenport Woman Located

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Missing 78-year-old Davenport woman located

SILVER ALERT CANCELED

Early Friday morning, January 26, 2017, at approximately 5:00 a.m., Ms. Margaret Teresa Ryan (78 -years-old) was located at the Circle K store at 4950 Highway 92 E., Lakeland. She approached a deputy sheriff saying she was lost and she was disoriented. She was in good health but taken to LRHMC to be evaluated.

She was last seen leaving her residence located at 183 Citrus Ridge Dr. in Davenport in her 2012 Black Toyota Camry bearing Florida Handicap tag Y6KXN at 11:30 a.m. Thursday.

Original Release:

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Detectives issue Silver Alert for missing 78-year-old Davenport woman

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On Thursday, January 26, 2017, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Ms. Margaret Teresa Ryan (78 -years-old) was last seen leaving her residence located at 183 Citrus Ridge Dr. in Davenport in her 2012 Black Toyota Camry bearing Florida Handicap tag Y6KXN. Ms. Ryan is exhibiting signs of Alzheimer’s disease but has not been medically diagnosed. She was last seen wearing a white/blue blouse. Margaret has no other medical conditions and does not take medication. This behavior is not usual for Margaret, who normally returns after a couple of hours.

She has brown eyes, brown hair, weighs 140 pounds, and is 5′ 6″ tall. If located please notify the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.

PCSO Deputies Charge Man With Stolen Valor After Receiving Tip From Stolen Valor Website

PCSO Deputies Charge Man With Stolen Valor After Receiving Tip From Stolen Valor Website
 
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On Wednesday, January 25, 2017, PCSO deputies obtained an arrest warrant for 27-year-old Kyle Christopher Barwan of Glen Road in Lakeland for Soliciting Funds/Misrepresenting Military Service (F-3). 
 
FSS 817.312 – Unlawful use of uniforms, medals, or insignia.– (1) A person may not misrepresent himself or herself as a member or veteran of the military or wear the uniform of or any medal or insignia authorized for use by members or veterans of the military which he or she is not authorized to wear while soliciting for charitable contributions or for the purpose of material gain.
In December 2016, PCSO received a tip from someone who read a blog about Barwan impersonating military officers. During the investigation, deputies learned Barwan has previously been arrested and charged federally for impersonating an officer in the military, in two different states (Kentucky and Illinois). Barwan befriended a Polk County woman online, and told her many lies about his military service while also soliciting money from her “to benefit one of his fellow soldiers who was injured in the war.”
 
Barwan was taken into custody in Plant City on January 25th, and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail on the Polk County warrant. He will be transferred to the Polk County Jail at a later time.
 
“Lying about being in the military to steal money from someone is not only egregious, it’s against the law. It’s also a slap in the face to all the fine men and women across the nation who have served in our country’s military with honor. Kyle Barwan is a disgrace.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
 

 

Polk County Man Arrested & Charged With DUI Manslaughter Of College Softball Player

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Pasco County, Florida – On Monday, January 23, 2017, deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office served a Pasco County arrest warrant on Scott Thomas Yutzy, Jr. of Lakeland. The warrant was for DUI Cause Death To Human and Homicide Negligence. The arrest stemmed from an accident back on April 25, 2016.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol on April 25, 2016 Brooke Ashlee Gonzalez, 19, of Citra, Florida was walking West along State Road 52 near Chenwood Avenue when she was struck at about 10 p.m., troopers said Yutzy, 22, lost control of his 1999 Ford Escort before the collision. Investigators said. Gonzalez was walking on the concrete sidewalk at the time of the crash. The Escort stopped after hitting a guardrail. At the time of the crash charges were pending, but no details were provided.

Yutzy reportedly sustained minor injuries.

According to an article in the Tampa Tribune Gonzalez, who was a sophomore at Pasco-Hernando State College, was set to earn her associate degree with a 3.5 GPA and wanted to have a career in fire rescue. The article went on to say that she was a member of the softball team and played first base with a .416 batting average.

“This is such a tragic loss, she was doing a nice little run last night and then the car came speeding down the road, and that is when the accident occurred,” Pasco-Hernando head softball coach Tom Ryan said.

“She was exceptional,” Ryan said. “Brooke was a person that everybody needs to emulate. From her work ethic and her work habits to her athletic ability. She was just an extremely popular and well-loved student athlete at the campus.”

“She was a role model to a lot of her friends and teammates and had a lot of qualities that we all should aspire to have.”

At the time of this article the details of the arrest warrant from Pasco County were not available. We will update this information as it becomes available.

PCSO Undercover Narcotics Unit Arrests 15 Suspects During Meth Investigation

PCSO Undercover Narcotics Unit Arrests 15 Suspects During Meth Investigation
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On January 24, 2017, undercover detectives assigned to the PCSO Narcotics Unit served search warrants at three locations and arrested 15 suspects during an undercover investigation into trafficking of Methamphetamines.
Detectives received information that a suspect named Willie James Robinson was selling Meth from his hotel room at the Stay Inn & Suites in Bartow. Detectives observed Robinson at the hotel, and took him into custody. Robinson had 8.75 grams of Meth and two handguns in his vehicle. Detectives served a search warrant on room 246 where Robinson was staying, and made contact with three people in that room: Katrina Wise, Brittany McCurry, and Demarcus Jefferson. Detectives found 21 grams of Meth and 51 grams of marijuana in the room. All three suspects were arrested. Detectives then served a search warrant on room 225, where Neil Anderson was staying and suspected of dealing drugs. Detectives made contact with Anderson in the room, where they also found a digital scale with Meth residue and a handgun. Anderson was placed under arrest.
During previous months, detectives learned that a suspect named Edward Bailey was selling Meth from 825 Southern Avenue in Lakeland. Detectives served a search warrant at the residence, and made contact with nine people there. Inside the residence and a shed, detectives found multiple clear plastic baggies containing marijuana, some Methamphetamine, a metal marijuana grinder, narcotics ledgers, drug paraphernalia, multiple pills, and items commonly used in the manufacturing of Methamphetamines.The six suspects arrested in Bartow and the nine suspects arrested in Lakeland are:

Willie James Robinson, Jr., DOB 9/23/85, charged with: Armed Trafficking In Methamphetamine over 28 grams, Carry Concealed Firearm, Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, Possession of Marijuana over 20 grams, Keep Shop/Veh Etc. for Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Robinson has 13 previous arrests in Polk County for: Trafficking Meth, Unlawful Use 2-Way Device, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana WITS, DWLSR, Burglary, Resisting Arrest, Battery, and Disturb/Interfere with School Function.Neil Anderson, DOB 12/26/79, charged with: Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon, Possession of Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Tampering with Evidence, Unlawful use of a Two-Way Communication Device. Anderson has been to state prison 6 times and his criminal history includes prior arrests for: Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle (5 counts), Agg Battery (DV), Burglary (4 counts), Grand Theft, False Verification to Pawnbroker, Dealing in Stolen Property, Fleeing to Elude, Poss of more than One Valid DL, Violation of Restriction on DL, Poss of Weapon/Ammo by Convicted Felon, Possession of Ammo by Convicted Felon, Possession of Firearm by Felon, Poss of Methamphetamine (4 counts), Agg Battery, Kidnap/False Imprisonment, Petit Theft, Poss Burglary Tools, Loitering and Prowling, DWLSR, Failure to Register Vehicle, Parole Violation, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Para, Resist Arrest, Contempt of Court, DUI, Reckless Driving.

Katrena Wise, DOB 9/13/87, charged with: Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Her criminal history includes arrests for: Battery, DWLSR, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Para, Poss Harmful New Legend Drug w/out Prescription, Possess of Methamphetamine, DWLSR, Possess Marijuana.

Brittany McCurry, DOB 3/9/90, charged with: Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Her criminal history includes arrests for: Probation Violation, Petit Theft, Illegal Use of Credit Card.

Joshua Miranda, DOB 12/3/90, charged with: Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. His criminal history includes arrests for: Possess of Meth WITS, Poss Drug Para, DWLSR, Grand Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property, Probation Violation, DUI.

Demarcus Jefferson, DOB 10/19/89, charged with: Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana With Intent to Sell, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. His criminal history includes arrests for: Agg Assault with Weapon, Battery (DV), FTA, DWLSR.

Eddie Bailey, DOB 2/11/68, charged with: Manufacturing of Meth, Possession of Meth WITS within 1,000 feet of a school, Possession of Marijuana under twenty (20) grams, Possession of Alprazolam, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Maintaining a Structure to Keep Controlled Substance. Bailey has been to state prison 3 times and his criminal history includes prior arrests for:  Manufacture Distribute Sell Imitation Drugs, Sale Meth within 1000 feet of School, Possess Oxycodone with intent to Sell, Possess Metha within 1000 feet of school, Possess Drug Para, Probation Violation, Burglary, Grand Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property, Criminal Mischief, Poss Drug Para, DWLSR (Habitual Offender), Grand Theft (Motor Vehicle), Petit Theft, Battery, Battery (DV), Failure to Appear, Burglary, Grand Theft, Possess Burglary Tools, Resist LEO, Carrying Concealed Weapon, Delivery Cocaine, Trespassing, Criminal Mischief.

Marvin Morris, DOB 10/7/59, charged with: Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Morris has been to state prison 9 times and his criminal history includes prior arrests for: Disorderly Intoxication, Possess of Marijuana, Poss Drug Para, Tamper with Evidence, Burglary, Trespassing, Petit Theft, Resist LEO, Possession of Meth, Possess of Drug Para, Shoplifting, Petit/Retail Theft, Bribery, Dealing in Stolen Property, Burglary, Arson, Grand Theft, Attempted Arson, Battery on LEO, Criminal Mischief, Disorderly Conduct, Armed Residence Burglary, Smuggling Contraband into Correctional Facility, Disorderly Intoxication, Intro Contraband into State Penal Institution, Petit Theft, Probation Violation, Fleeing to Elude, Trespassing on School Property, Reckless Driving, Delivery of Marijuana, Sale of Marijuana, Deliver Dangerous Drugs (Cocaine, Marijuana, Phencyclidine).

Charlene Davis, DOB 8/24/63, charged with: Possession of Meth, Possession of Alprazolam, Possession of Prescription Medication Without a Prescription (9 counts), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Maintaining a Structure to Keep Controlled Substance. Her criminal history includes an arrest for Disorderly Conduct

Tequila BeBee, DOB 1/26/89, charged with: Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, VOP. BeBee had two active warrants for: Violation of Probation (Poss Drug Para and Resist Arrest) and Writ of Bodily Attachment. Her criminal history includes arrests for: Possession of Drug Para, Possession of Meth, Resist LEO, Battery (DV-Felony), Battery, Possession of Marijuana, Failure to Appear, Introduce Contraband into Correctional Facility, Felony Battery, Agg Battery, Probation Violation.

Christopher Sodt, DOB 8/21/83, charged with Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Sodt has been to state prison 2 times and his criminal history includes prior arrests for: Uttering a Forged Instrument, Forgery, Possess Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Possess Counterfeit Bill with intent to Distribute, Grand Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property, Grand Theft (Motor Vehicle), Resist LEO, Petit Theft, Forgery (10 or more bills), Possess Tools Paper for Forgery Counterfeiting, Obstruction of LEO, Probation Violation, Resist LEO, Possession of Meth, Possess Drug Para, Burglary with Assault, Robbery with Firearm, Tamper Harass Witness/Victim.

Lanette Hart, DOB 1/22/84, charged with Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Her criminal history includes prior arrests for: Probation Violation, Battery (DV), Have Forged Note in Possession, Petit Theft, Resist LEO, Possess of Methamphetamine, Possess Drug Para.

William Hanshew, DOB 9/10/63, charged with: Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams, Possession of Prescription Medication Without a Prescription, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Hanshew has been to state prison 1 time and his criminal history includes prior arrests for: Battery (DV), Robbery with Weapon, Sell Cocaine, Possess of Metha, Manufacture Meth, Possession of Listed Chemical, Possess Drug Para, Burglary, Felony Battery, Probation Violation, DWLSR (Habitual), Battery, Agg Battery, Violation of Probation, Possess of Marijuana, Resist LEO, Grand Theft (Vehicle), Carry Concealed Weapon, Trespassing, Agg Assault on LEO, Larceny.

Patricia Goff, DOB 1/25/76, charged with: Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Goff has been to state prison 2 times and her criminal history includes arrests for: Probation Violation, Failure to Appear, Trespassing, Possess of Meth, Possess Drug Para, Delivery Meth, Battery, Possess Marijuana over 20 Grams, Possession of Cocaine with intent to Sell, Possess Carry Firearm by Convicted Felon, Failure to Register Motor Vehicle, DWLSR, Give False Name to LEO.

Joseph Dimmitri, DOB 11/28/78, charged with: Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Maintaining a Structure to Keep Controlled Substance. Dimmitri has been to state prison 3 times and his criminal history includes arrests for: Retail Theft, Petit Theft, Resist LEO, Loitering and Prowling, Possess of Meth, Probation Violation, Retail Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property, Grand Theft, Giving False Info to Pawn Broker, Oper Veh w/o DL, DWLSR, Burglary (Dwelling), Grand Theft.