Three young men from Altamonte Springs discovered Friday evening that Polk County law enforcement takes a dim view of criminal activity, particularly when it involves stolen vehicles, firearms, and masks. The trio, now identified as Schuyler Barry-Austin (19), Vertrelle Walker, Jr. (21), and Deontrae Walker (16), are facing a litany of charges after being apprehended in a meticulously executed traffic stop on I-4.
The events unfolded on Friday evening, when a Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputy patrolling I-4 near Lakeland spotted a 2016 Mazda CX-5 that had been reported stolen from Orange County. The stolen vehicle drove east as additional deputies converged, with its passengers clearly unaware of the tracking.
Two police officers deliberately created a temporary traffic jam by driving ahead of the Mazda in a well-coordinated maneuver. As traffic halted just east of County Road 557, other deputies quickly intervened, boxing in the stolen Mazda and arresting all three passengers without incident.
Barry-Austin, Vertrelle Walker, and Deontrae Walker were all wearing masks and gloves when they were arrested. Schuyler Barry-Austin, the driver, was also in possession of a firearm reported stolen in Orange County.
The allegations against the three are broad, with all charges increased because the accused were wearing masks at the time of arrest.
Vertrelle Walker, Jr.,, is charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis, possession of burglary tools, contributing to minor delinquency, and possession of narcotic paraphernalia.
Schuyler Barry-Austin has been charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, grand theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm during the commencement of a felony, possession of a vehicle for the sale of narcotics, possession of cannabis with intent to sell, possession of cannabis greater than 20 grams, possession of burglary tools, and contributing to a minor’s delinquency.
Deontrae Walker, the youngest of the bunch, was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle and possession of burglary tools.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, all three people have a criminal record. PCSO deputies’ quick and decisive response reinforces the message that criminal activity will not be tolerated within Polk County’s borders.