Man Accused Of Stealing Backpack From Body In Crash: Sheriff

BARTOW, FL — A 30-year-old Bartow man is accused of taking a backpack off the body of a motorcyclist he was involved in a crash with Monday evening, Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

Brittany Young, 32, of Bartow had two passengers, Christopher Moore and 29-year-old Anthony Spurlock in her beige 2010 Chevrolet Malibu that she drove along Old Connersville Road after they left Connersville Bait and Tackle. Just before 6 p.m., Young drove her car in front of a 2016 Suzuki motorcycle as she crossed the intersection of Old Connersville Road and State Road 60, investigators said.

The 21-year-old motorcyclist, Blake Adam Gilmore, of Winter Haven was thrown off his bike at the time of the crash. He died at the wreck location, authorities said.

Following the crash, uninjured Spurlock and uninjured Moore were seen walking away from the crash when deputies got to the intersection. They noticed Moore carried a backpack that belonged to the victim. Moore confessed to officers that he stole the backpack.

Moore faces charges of petit theft and tampering with evidence.

Young had minor injuries from the crash and was treated at a local hospital, detectives said.