The Polk County Narcotics Division, in collaboration with the Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division (DPS CID), successfully apprehended wanted felon Stephen Ritch, also known as "Duckie," today after an intensive search. Ritch had an active felony warrant through pardon and parole.
Ritch had been evading law enforcement and was suspected and wanted for questioning in numerous crimes throughout the Indian Springs subdivision and other areas in Polk County, including drug sales, thefts, and burglaries. Yesterday, during a theft investigation, Ritch fled on foot through the woods when approached by authorities, leaving behind a bag containing methamphetamine and burglary tools. Following the discovery of these items, warrants were issued for Ritch’s arrest, charging him with Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) and Evading Arrest.
On Thursday, August 1st, narcotics detectives, supported by DPS CID, tracked Ritch to an abandoned residence on Bradley Rd, located in the back of the subdivision. The residence was surrounded, and with no means of escape, Ritch surrendered to authorities without incident.
In addition to Ritch, a female accomplice identified as Lindsay Short was also located at the scene. Short was charged with Hindering Apprehension of a Known Felon. Both Ritch and Short were booked into the Polk County Jail without incident.
