Grinch Burglar Suspected Of Stealing Lakeland Girls' Gifts Identified: Do You Know Him?

LAKELAND, FL — A man who is accused of breaking into a Lakeland mom's home Monday has been identified by the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

The suspect is 28-year-old Raheim Jamaar Johnson, authorities confirmed Thursday.

Police said he kicked open the door shortly after the mom left her house at about 7:30 a.m. Home surveillance video captured him rummaging through rooms and leaving with multiple wrapped gifts worth $1,600. These gifts were intended for her two daughters, ages 8 and 11, the mom told officers

"Our Grinch has been identified by someone who wanted a little extra Christmas cash," Sheriff Grady Judd said."An arrest warrant has been obtained for Johnson. Now we just need to find him."

According to detectives, the surveillance footage showed Johnson taking a TV and a company laptop, too.

Johnson is driving a 2019 or newer four-door, dark-colored vehicle, surveillance cameras showed. If you know the location of Johnson, contact Crime Stoppers at 800-226-8477. You could be eligible for $2,500 if you give information that leads to an arrest.

As for the girls' Christmas gifts, Judd said the stolen gifts will be replaced with help of Polk Sheriff Charities.

Home Surveillance Video Footage Provided By Polk County Sheriff's Office

Related Patch Story:

• Grinch Burglar Stole Christmas Presents From Mom, 2 Girls: Police