Lady Lake, FL — Authorities in Lady Lake, Florida, say a man has confessed to a series of e-bike and e-scooter thefts that took place throughout October. The suspect, identified as Alfred J. Woods II, allegedly stole four e-bikes and one e-scooter from several locations across the city before being arrested on unrelated charges in Marion County.
According to the Lady Lake Police Department, Woods was taken into custody on October 25. While being held in the Marion County Jail, he reportedly admitted to multiple thefts during a police interview, providing details about how he carried out the crimes and what he did with the stolen property.
Timeline of Thefts
Investigators say the thefts began on October 9 at Recreation Plantation, a popular local community. The spree continued with additional incidents on:
- October 20 at the Kohl’s bike rack
- October 24 behind Ay Jalisco, a local restaurant
- October 25 behind Papa John’s
In one notable case, a victim was able to use an Apple AirTag to track their stolen e-bike, which was later found abandoned nearby. In another, a victim used a tracking device to locate their stolen e-scooter back at Recreation Plantation, where they provided officers with a description of the suspect.
Police Link Woods to Thefts
Detectives connected Woods to the thefts after an officer recognized him from an earlier encounter on October 18, when he was stopped while riding an e-bike on County Road 25A and cited for a tail light violation.
Further investigation revealed that Woods had been arrested in Marion County while riding an e-bike stolen just hours earlier in Lady Lake. This discovery helped confirm his involvement in the string of thefts, as reported by ClickOrlando.
Confession and Motive
During his interview from jail, Woods confessed to stealing multiple e-bikes and e-scooters across Lady Lake. He reportedly told detectives that his girlfriend sold the stolen items to support his drug addiction.
Authorities say they are now working to locate the woman believed to have assisted in selling the stolen property and to recover any remaining bikes or scooters that have not yet been found.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
Local residents have expressed concern over the recent thefts, particularly given the rising popularity of electric bikes and scooters in the area. Police are urging bike and scooter owners to take precautions such as using secure locks, parking in well-lit areas, and registering their vehicles with local authorities.
The Lady Lake Police Department continues to investigate the case and asks anyone with additional information to come forward.
What are your thoughts on this series of e-bike thefts in Lady Lake? Should stricter measures be taken to combat property crimes related to drug addiction?Share your opinions and join the discussion in the comments below.
