Lakeland suspect tries to hide in ceiling tiles, gets caught when phone starts ringing: deputies

LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — A wanted Lakeland man tried to hide from deputies in the ceiling, but it wasn’t enough to keep him from getting arrested, authorities said.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said Saturday afternoon deputies received a call about a disturbance in the area of ​​US-98 North and Duff Road.

The suspect in the disturbance was identified as Joshua Garrett, 38, of Lakeland, who deputies said was wanted for a probation violation.

Officers went to Garrett’s workplace and, although they learned he had entered the business, the suspect was not seen leaving the building.

The business appeared empty, but the sheriff’s office said officers heard the suspect’s phone ringing and noticed weathered ceiling tiles.

That’s when they found Garrett, or at least part of him.

“They spotted a hand sticking out from under the insulation,” the sheriff’s office said. “Luckily, the hand was attached to a body – Garrett’s – and not just a random disembodied hand. That would have taken the situation in a completely different direction.

The suspect was removed from the ceiling and booked into custody for resisting and criminal mischief.