***UPDATE: MAY 2, 2025***
PCSO detectives were able to identify the suspect rather quickly as 35-year old Crystal Lee Hess of California, but her whereabouts were unknown.

On February 18th Crystal Hess was involved in a hit & run crash in South Carolina, and was subsequently arrested by South Carolina State Trooper North. Trooper North informed a PCSO detective that the woman he arrested matched the PCSO's suspect.

On April 26th, Crystal Lee Hess arrived back in Florida and was booked in at the Polk County Jail and charged with: Throwing a Deadly Missile into an Occupied Vehicle and Criminal Mischief. 


ORIGINAL POST FOLLOWS:

CRIME: CRIMINAL MISCHIEF & ASSAULT
CRIME SCENE: SHELL STORE IN POLK CITY
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE CASE #: 25-5530

On February 8th, a person pulled up to a gas pump at the Shell station at 1821 State Road 559 in Polk City. 

The suspect (the woman wearing the lime green shirt in the photo) approached the victim who was still sitting in the driver seat, and she threw an unopened can of Pepsi inside the victim's vehicle. The can struck a 3-year old child on the head.

The child was not injured.

The woman then began striking the victim's vehicle with her fist, while holding a key. The key caused gouge marks on the vehicle.

The woman then kicked the rear of the vehicle, causing dents.

The suspect is an Asian female, and she drove away in a blue Hyundai Sonata with a California license plate. 

If you recognize this suspect or you have any information about the investigation, please contact Detective Melendez at 863-236-3900 or HMelendez@polksheriff.org.

If you wish to remain anonymous AND be eligible for a reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
• CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477) Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida
• DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
• VISIT http://heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip,"
• DOWNLOAD the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet