Four teenagers in Lakeland, Florida, are facing serious charges after investigators say a firearm was stolen from a vehicle during an alleged string of car burglaries.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the four teens were arrested on August 30, 2026, after deputies investigated a report involving a firearm that had been taken from a resident’s vehicle.
Investigators say the case began when a resident reported that their vehicle had been burglarized and a gun was missing. Detectives worked to identify the people allegedly connected to the burglary, eventually leading them to four Lakeland-area teenagers.
The suspects were identified as 15-year-olds Fenton Schofield and Dakarai Fennell, 16-year-old Viktor Mullen, and 15-year-old Michael Buey.
Authorities say the investigation took another turn when detectives received permission from Schofield’s father to search his bedroom. According to investigators, the stolen firearm was allegedly discovered inside the bedroom.
That wasn’t the only thing investigators say they uncovered.
Authorities also allege that Schofield and Buey deleted text messages that were connected to the investigation. Detectives subsequently added evidence-tampering charges against the two teenagers.
All four teens were taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center following their arrests.
According to the sheriff’s office, the teenagers were charged with armed burglary of a conveyance and grand theft of a firearm. They also face allegations involving conspiracy to commit burglary and loitering or prowling.
Schofield and Buey were additionally charged with tampering with evidence, according to authorities.
The firearm charge makes the case especially serious because investigators say the weapon was allegedly taken directly from the victim’s vehicle. Cases involving stolen firearms can draw significant law-enforcement attention because of concerns that illegally obtained weapons could later be used in other crimes.
At this point, the allegations against the teenagers remain just that—allegations. An arrest or criminal charge does not mean someone has been found guilty, and the defendants are entitled to due process as the case moves through the juvenile justice system.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has not indicated in the information released whether additional arrests or charges are expected as the investigation continues.
For the victim, however, the investigation appears to have resulted in authorities recovering the firearm and identifying several teenagers investigators believe were connected to the alleged burglary.
The case is now moving forward through the juvenile court system, where the allegations against each teenager will be addressed.
StreetAddictz will continue following the case as more information becomes available.
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