Poinciana, FL – In the early hours of Thursday, August 31, 2023, a stolen vehicle crash involving three local teenage suspects sent shockwaves through the community, prompting a swift response from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) and Polk County Fire Rescue.
The incident unfolded as an Apple iPhone, belonging to one of the suspects, automatically alerted authorities of the single-vehicle crash that occurred around 2:35 am. The device’s built-in capabilities detected the crash and swiftly reported it to law enforcement.
Upon receiving the notification, PCSO deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue rushed to the scene of the crash on Lake Hatchineha Road (County Road 542) near Firetower Road in Poinciana. There, they discovered the suspects near a severely damaged black Kia Sorrento.
“The three suspects were out committing serious crimes, and it almost ended tragically for them. It’s too early to tell if they will have any severe long-term problems due to their injuries, but regardless, we’re going to hold them accountable to the fullest extent for their crimes. This criminal behavior isn’t going to be tolerated. They could have very easily killed themselves, or an innocent person.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff
The impact of the crash left Saul Lyons and Justhin Gautier with severe injuries, prompting their airlift to a medical facility. Lyons remains in critical but stable condition, while Gautier’s condition has stabilized. A 14-year-old female accomplice, who sustained internal injuries, was transported by ambulance and is reported to be in stable condition. All three are anticipated to survive their injuries.
The stolen Kia Sorrento had been taken from the vicinity of Dogwood Road and Narcissus Lane, approximately three miles north of the crash site.
Saul Lyons and Justhin Gautier will face charges of Grand Theft Motor Vehicle (F3) and Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft Motor Vehicle (F3). The female suspect, who joined the other two after the vehicle was stolen, is facing a charge of Trespass in Conveyance (M2).
