A recent string of vandalism in northern Frostproof has resulted in an arrest, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced today. The incidents, which included graffiti and property damage in a concentrated area, sparked a quick investigation by local detectives.
The initial wave of vandalism struck on June 12th, affecting many locations in a small region. Victims reported graffiti painted on storage facility doors, as well as red spray paint defacing a fence, stop sign, and traffic sign near the intersection of Roberts Lane and Bay traffic.
Derogatory graffiti also targeted a private home, and three tires were cut or damaged on another.
Just over a week later, on June 23rd, another incident of vandalism was recorded in the same northern Frostproof area. In this case, an insulting message was spray-painted over the entrance gate to a shared private driveway, further upsetting locals.
Detectives swiftly initiated an investigation, which led them to a suspect. Following leads, investigators went to the suspect’s house, where a relative gave them permission to perform a search. During the search, authorities discovered critical evidence linking the man to a series of crimes. Notably, all of the occurrences happened within a one-block radius of the suspect’s residence.
The investigation resulted in the capture and arrest of 20-year-old Leonel Bocanegra. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office took him into custody and transferred him to the Polk County Jail.
Bocanegra is charged with criminal mischief between $200 and $1,000, as well as three counts of criminal mischief less than $200.
