#ArrestedByThePolkCountySheriffsOffice - 43-year-old Jason Allan Braden of Lakeland.

A south Lakeland Chick-fil-A employee played an important role in the capture of a burglar.

On July 23, 2026, the employee at the South Florida Avenue Chick-Fila-A was working when he noticed a suspicious white male walking around vehicles in the parking lot. 

The suspicious male was seen looking into vehicles, but not actually attempting to enter any of the vehicles. 

The employee watched as the man then walked to a vacant residence nearby, forced open the screen door to the home, and then went inside. 

The Sheriff's Office was notified and multiple units immediately responded.

The suspect fled the residence prior to deputies arriving, but the shift lieutenant noticed a man on a bicycle behind Publix who matched the suspect's description. 

A stop was conducted on the bicyclist and it was confirmed that he was the suspect. 

He was identified as 43-year-old Jason Allan Braden of Lakeland, and he was arrested for burglary of an unoccupied dwelling. He was also found to be in possession of a baggie of methamphetamine.

Jason was transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Processing Center without incident. 

Jason’s criminal history includes crimes such as trespassing, criminal traffic, battery, criminal mischief, burglary, loitering and prowling, and carrying a concealed weapon.