Lake Wales, FL – On April 25, 2025, an 11-year-old child participating in a school fundraiser was robbed in the downtown area of Lake Wales while selling chocolate. The child was approached by a man later identified as 18-year-old Isaiyah Cabrera of Davenport. After the child informed Cabrera he had collected $107 in donations, Cabrera snatched an envelope containing the money and fled the scene on an electric scooter, running over the child’s foot in the process.
Lake Wales Police Department detectives responded quickly, canvassing local businesses for surveillance footage. While speaking with staff at The Ranch Taproom and Coffeehouse, detectives encountered an extraordinary act of kindness. Jessica Garrett and Cathy Garrett, who are daughter and mother, as well as co-owners of Viola Vines and The Ranch Coffeehouse in Downtown Lake Wales, were so moved by the incident, they combined their personal funds to replace the stolen money. According to a statement from LWPD, their gesture turned the child’s distress into tears of joy.
Jessica says that making the child whole was “the right thing to do.”
On April 29, 2025, officers identified and arrested Cabrera. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of a loaded .25 caliber handgun, which he admitted to carrying during the robbery. Cabrera has been charged with Robbery by Sudden Snatching While in Possession of a Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, and Violation of Probation. He was on probation at the time of the incident for a previous theft offense.
The Lake Wales Police Department commends the swift actions of its officers and the compassionate response from the community members at The Ranch Taproom and Coffeehouse. Their support helped bring resolution and comfort to the young victim.
