The Polk County Sheriff's Office suspended the search early Friday for the armed carjacking suspect from Bartow who fled from deputies and police officers Thursday afternoon.
- Authorities suspend active search for Polk suspect
- Deputies: Carjack suspect shot at PCSO helicopter
- Deputies to patrol nearby residential areas Friday
- Carjacking details; map of area
After an extensive search by the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and police from Bartow and Lake Wales, officials said the suspect is no longer in the search perimeter.
According to deputies, the suspect fired shots at a sheriff's helicopter after an armed carjacking of a flatbed truck.
Deputies say the suspect stole a 2005 Chevrolet 6500 Flat bed truck Thursday afternoon in the area of Bay Street and 7th Avenue. The suspect stole the truck which had been left running as the driver checked on the vehicle's load, authorities said.
This truck was towing a commercial trailer which was hauling a commercial excavating equipment. At that time, police say the suspect drove away from the scene, despite the driver's attempts to stop him.
When co-workers attempted to follow and confront the suspect, police say he struck their vehicle and brandished a firearm.
A perimeter was set up near Mammoth Grove Road and State Road 60 in Lake Wales. Deputies will actively patrol the nearby residential areas Friday night.
Area residents are encouraged to maintain caution and report anything suspicious.
Anyone with any information about this suspect is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 863-298-6200 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477.
He is described as a white male in his late 20s or early 30s, unshaven, dark hair graying on the sides, and medium build. He was last seen wearing a red shirt.