Polk Sheriff's Office Needs Help Finding Former Convict

LAKELAND, FL — The Polk County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in finding a 34-year-old former convict in connection with a midnight shooting.

Marlon Tyrone Burgess is wanted by Polk County Sheriff's Office detectives for a shooting in the Dawn Heights Drive area of Lakeland, according to the agency's Scott Wilder.

"Burges is dangerous. Please help us get him off the street and send him back to prison where he belongs," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said on Tuesday.

Burgess allegedly shot a 20-year-old man multiple times. He had known the victim for three or four months.

"The two were arguing according to the victim," Wilder explained. "The victim is in an area hospital in stable condition."

Burgess got away in a 2013 white Dodge Challenger with a red stripe down the middle of the top of the vehicle.

"He may still be using the Dodge Challenger," Wilder said.

The sheriff's office said Burgess is likely armed and should be considered dangerous.

"Please do not attempt to confront him," Judd warned. "Call law enforcement."

To report a tip, call 863-298-6200 or 9-1-1 if it is an emergency. Alternatively, call Detective Brittany Wright at 863-499-2400, or contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 800-226-TIPS (8477).

Burgess was released from Florida State Prison in April after serving a 15-year sentence for robbery with a weapon, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, resisting an officer with violence and battery on a law enforcement officer, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

"Please do not attempt to confront him," Judd warned. "Call law enforcement."