Molotov cocktails thrown at pastor's business in Polk County
Share and Follow


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.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
JSO: One injured in overnight shooting near St. Johns Town Center

Breaking News: Overnight Shooting Near St. Johns Town Center Leaves One Injured – Stay Informed

Authorities from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office have reported a shooting incident that…
White friends bullied by surging mob who mistook them for ICE agents

Viral Incident: Innocent Friends Mistaken for ICE Agents Face Mob Fury

A group of men enjoying a meal at a deli in Minneapolis…
Bills fire Sean McDermott after 9 seasons of falling short of reaching Super Bowl, AP sources say

Buffalo Bills Part Ways with Sean McDermott After Nine Seasons Without a Super Bowl Appearance, Reports Suggest

ORCHARD PARK, New York — The Buffalo Bills have parted ways with…
Jadin O'Brien's rapid rise is complete. The track star is now a US Olympic bobsledder.

Jadin O’Brien’s Meteoric Journey: From Track Star to US Olympic Bobsledder

Just a year ago, Jadin O’Brien was sprinting on the track for…
Matt Damon: Netflix wants movies to restate plot 'three or four times' for viewers on their phones

Matt Damon Reveals Netflix’s Strategy: Reiterating Plot Points for Mobile Viewers

On Friday, the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast became the platform for a…
Color and light flood the OMNIMAX theater screen before a viewing of the "Ohio: Wild at Heart" film that features the state

From Flames to Flourish: Ohio’s Astonishing Environmental Revival Captured by IMAX

When you hear the term IMAX, it often conjures images of captivating…
New Orleans tourists shot when man fleeing gunfire ducks into famed restaurant

Chaos Erupts in New Orleans: Tourists Injured in Iconic Restaurant During Shooting Incident

In a tragic turn of events in New Orleans, a shooting incident…
Mexican man rescued after getting trapped in anti-vandal trash container

Mexican Man Safely Rescued from Anti-Vandal Trash Container: A Bizarre Incident Unfolds

Being environmentally conscious sometimes comes with its own set of challenges. A…