Molotov cocktails thrown at pastor's business in Polk County
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While the reason behind the vandalism is unclear, the words “Civil War Trump” were spray-painted on the front of the building.

LAKE WALES, Fla. — The owners of a local Lake Wales business remain vigilant after an act of vandalism involving Molotov cocktails.

Lake Wales police released video of a light-colored Toyota Prius believed to have contained the person or people responsible for the crime early Thursday morning. Two Molotov cocktails were thrown at Univista Insurance off State Road 60.

Police said the words “Civil War Trump” were also spray-painted on the front windows.

“I cannot remember a customer that has been upset with us,” franchise owner German Portillo said. “I don’t think it’s race. I don’t think it’s political. We’re not affiliated to any party but we just want to wait until the authorities clear it up.”

The business was also shot at and a fake plant caught fire.

Portillo, who also serves as a pastor, admits he is being more vigilant but said he feels sorry for the person or people responsible for the crime.

“We prayed for his heart to become right. If he gets caught… I’m a jail volunteer as a pastor and I’m willing to go and pray with him,” Portillo said. 

Despite the fear it has caused, Portillo said he is determined to keep doing his job and helping customers get the best coverage possible.

“If you ask me, ‘You want to go through it again?’ I would not want to go through [it] again, but it happened and we can’t quit just because it happened,” he added.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Lake Wales police. Anonymous tips can be sent to Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS (8477) or online.

A reward of $2,500 is available through Heartland Crime Stoppers for information leading to an arrest.

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