Two Who Broke into Home During Hurricane Milton Facing Enhanced Charges

Two people who broke into a home on on Fast Trot Trail, allegedly to "escape" during Hurricane Milton, were arrested and charged with burglary and criminal mischief in additional to other charges.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested the two suspects on Thursday, October 10, for burglarizing the vacant home in the aftermath of the storm. Deputies responded to a 9:40 a.m., call about a residential burglary in progress and found the rear door pried open. The two suspects were found inside the home.

Courtesy Polk County Sheriff's office

Kathryn Cooper, 50, (L) and Derik Jansen, 34, and were charged with enhanced burglary after breaking into a home on Fast Trot Trail near Lake Wales during the passage of Hurricane Milton, where they caused damage to the home and contents.

According to a report from the Polk County Sheriff's department, Derik Jansen, 34, and Kathryn Cooper, 50, initially told deputies they were told they "could live there" but then admitted that they broke in to the residence to "escape Hurricane Milton." The floor of the residence was covered in broken housewares and the drywall inside was severely damaged. The suspects admitted to causing the damage.

The owner of the residence confirmed to deputies that no one had permission to be inside of his home.

Cooper managed to add the additional charge of resisting arrest to her list of counts. She was charged with burglary, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest. Her criminal history includes aggravated domestic violence.

Jansen was charged with burglary and criminal mischief. His criminal history includes drug charges, assault, and aggravated domestic violence.

Both suspects received enhanced charges for burglarizing a residence during a state of emergency.