Two Men, Teen Charged With Prowling

A Bartow man and a teen remained in custody Tuesday following their arrests on prowling-related charges after Avon Park Police say they were caught with burglary tools, hiding behind Bishop's Furniture on early Sunday.

A third suspect was released on bail.

Bishop's Furniture is located at 1583 U.S. 27 N., in the Shops of Avon near Stryker Road.

At about 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Avon Park police officer Alberto Perez was patrolling the 1500 block of U.S. 27 N. During the patrol he saw two suspicious vehicles parked behind the shopping center.

"The vehicles were backed in near the loading docks of Bishop's Furniture," said Police Chief Matt Doughney in a news release.

Perez went to investigate when he saw three males attempting to conceal themselves behind the All Star Video rear door, Doughney added.

The three suspects, two men and a teenager, were detained and it was discovered that each of them had gloves and ski masks with them. A sledge hammer was also discovered at the rear door of the business, the report stated.

A search of the vehicles also revealed other burglary tools, like pry bars and bolt cutters.

The three individuals were placed under arrest and charged with possession of burglary tools, loitering and prowling and possession of cannabis under 20 grams.

The three arrested are the following:

Christopher L. Wilson, 36, of Bartow, on charges of possession of burglary tools, loitering and prowling, possession of marijuana less than 20 grams and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Wilson was free on $2,250 bail.

Carlos L. Mitchell, 24, of Bartow, on charges of possession of burglary tools, loitering and prowling, possession of marijuana less than 20 grams, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and giving false name while lawfully detained. Carlos Mitchell remained in Highlands County Jail in lieu of $6,750 bond.

Carl L. Mitchell, 17, of Bartow, on charges of possession of burglary tools, loitering and prowling, and possession of marijuana less than 20 grams.

Carl Mitchell was transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice at Bartow.