Two burglary grand theft suspects in Florida quickly realized that their criminal activities wouldn’t go unpunished when they were apprehended by a no-nonsense sheriff known for his tough-on-crime approach. The incident occurred when deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office spotted a stolen vehicle in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The driver, identified as 24-year-old Tamari Lucas, attempted to flee on foot but was eventually arrested. However, his passenger managed to escape.
During his arrest, Lucas confidently boasted to the deputies that he wouldn’t be in jail for long because he believed he had been apprehended in Osceola County. To his surprise, he was informed that he was actually in Polk County, where Sheriff Grady Judd reigns with an iron fist. Lucas’s reaction was one of disbelief and resignation, exclaiming, “Oh, my God! Not Grady Judd! Are you (expletive) serious? This really sucks because you guys don’t play around in Polk County.”
Sheriff Judd, who is known for his no-nonsense attitude and straightforward demeanor, addressed the incident during a press conference. He emphasized that his department is committed to ensuring that burglars and criminals understand the consequences of their actions. Judd’s reputation has earned him the respect of both law enforcement colleagues and residents. He has been serving as the sheriff since 2004 and recently began his fifth term in 2021.
Tamari Lucas now faces multiple charges, including grand theft motor vehicle, not having a valid driver’s license, two counts of criminal mischief, and fleeing to elude law enforcement. His extensive criminal history includes 30 previous felony charges, 12 misdemeanor charges, and 19 re-arrest charges. Among his past offenses are aggravated assault with a weapon, multiple counts of grand theft auto, dealing in stolen property, and aggravated battery.
In a separate incident, deputies also apprehended a 14-year-old named Jeremiah Hamm for suspicion of grand theft auto. Hamm, who was driving a stolen vehicle, asked the deputies about his charges upon being taken into custody. It was revealed that he had a court appointment the following day for a previous grand theft arrest and expressed concern about missing it. Authorities disclosed that Hamm already has a history of arrests, including charges of robbery with a firearm, armed burglary, grand theft, aggravated assault with a weapon, resisting arrest, drug possession, and trespassing.
Sheriff Judd expressed frustration and questioned the lack of supervision and guidance for young individuals like Hamm, asking, “Why is this 14-year-old out at 1:00 in the morning stealing cars and committing burglaries? Where are the adults in his life?” He made it clear that his office would hold both suspects accountable and would not tolerate such behavior.
The incidents involving these two suspects highlight the need for a strong criminal justice system and the importance of addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. Sheriff Grady Judd’s no-nonsense approach continues to resonate with the community, as he strives to maintain law and order in Polk County.
