When one is charged with Grand Theft, you may not expect to see a 5-gallon bucket on the list of stolen items. But it is one of a host of items documented on this Lake Wales Police Department affidavit concerning the arrest of a 29-year-old Lake Wales man charged with Grand Theft.

The man arrested on December 20, 2024, in this case is Willie Harvin, of Lake Wales, DOB September 8, 1995. A co-defendant is also listed on the affidavit, one Luis Alvarado.

The following is the explanation of probable cause documented by the arresting officer. The report is quoted here verbatim, so the reader may interpret the report for themselves. Individuals are innocent until proven guilty:

“On December 19, 2024, Officer Claros placed the following facts on a complaint affidavit:

“’On 12/19/2024, I responded to Lowe’s located at (REDACTED) reference to a retail theft. Upon my arrival, I met with Asset Protection Manager, (REDACTED). (REDACTED) stated prior to calling law enforcement, they were notified via their store Flock camera of a known suspect vehicle, a silver newer model Toyota Corolla bearing Florida tag (REDACTED), entering the store parking lot. (REDACTED) advised a passenger in the vehicle, later identified as Luis Alvarado, entered the store and selected 5 (five) 4 inch 1 HP Well pumps, a Black + Decker Robo Series vacuum, and a 5-gallon Lowe’s bucket (total value of the merchandise is $3,269.97). (REDACTED) stated Alvarado then proceeded to the exit, passing all points of sale without making an attempt to purchase the items, and exited the doors at which time he was able to intercept him. (REDACTED) stated Alvarado began speaking Spanish and walked away towards the silver Toyota.

“After reviewing video surveillance, (REDACTED) stated the driver of the vehicle, later identified as Willie Harvin, can be seen entering the store moments before Alvarado. (REDACTED) stated Harvin never purchased any items and appeared to be the lookout. (REDACTED) stated throughout the theft, Alvarado was on the phone and likely communicating with Harvin. Immediately after Alvarado was stopped at the exit, (REDACTED) stated Harvin immediately exits the store following Alvarado and both fled the parking lot in the silver Toyota Corolla.

“Based on my investigation, probable cause exists to charge Luis Alvarado and Willie Harvin with grand theft for acting in concert to commit theft by selecting $3,269.97 worth of merchandise and passing all points of sale without making any attempts of purchasing the items.”

“On December 20, 2024, I located Willie Harvin at his residence (REDACTED) and placed him under arrest in reference to the complaint affidavit which Officer Claros completed on December 19, 2024. I interviewed Harvin and post Miranda, Harvin stated he took “Pablo” who is actually Luis Alvarado to Lowes for $40. Harvin stated Pablo was shopping for some kind of pump. Harvin stated he met up with Pablo in the store and he added up the price of the things Pablo had and it was around $600. Harvin stated he was looking at Christmas trees when he saw “the man in the blue shirt” who is AP for Lowes, running out of the store. Harvin stated he went to find out what was going on and the man said “he just stole and you’re in it too.” Hardin stated he saw Pablo in the parking lot and he stated “I know I didn’t steal so I just left.” Hardin stated he drove away with Pablo in the car with him even though he knew he had just stolen from the store. Hardin asked me “what was I supposed to do? Stay there?” Hardin is charged with Grand Theft.”