R66 Pilot Directs Ground Units to a Repeat Offender on a Stolen Motorcycle

A Polk County Sheriff’s Office helicopter pilot recently assisted in the arrest of a high-profile Central Florida criminal. The pilot noticed him committing traffic violations on a motorcycle and was able to direct ground units to his location.

At around 1:43 pm on December 17, 2024, PCSO helicopter pilot Arman was flying over Rifle Range Road and Bomber Road in Wahneta. He noticed a motorcyclist violating traffic laws and immediately radioed to ground patrol units, directing them to the offender’s location.

Officers tracked down and stopped the motorcycle, which had no license plate. The driver told deputies that he was Charles Phillips. However, the officers quickly determined that he was actually 39-year-old Joe Edward Phillips. Further analysis revealed that the vehicle had been stolen from Osceola County on December 28, 2021.

As if these weren’t enough red flags, PSCO deputies then discovered that Phillips’ drivers license had been suspended in 2023. He was also not endorsed to drive a motorcycle.

Joe Phillips was taken into custody and transported to the Polk County Jail on charges of grand theft motor vehicle, driving with a suspended license (3rd subsequent offense), providing false identification to law enforcement, driving an unregistered vehicle, and failure to have required endorsement.

Law enforcement records show that Phillips has an extensive criminal history. He had previously been arrested for burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, grand theft, criminal mischief, and petit theft. These offenses landed him nine in a half years in state prison.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office employs a fleet of three Robinson R66 choppers and one Cessna 182. The helicopters were recent additions to the team, serving as replacements for PCSO’s aging MD 500s.

“Our Aviation Unit has proven invaluable by finding lost hikers, missing children, endangered persons, suspects on the run, and fleeing vehicles,” stated PSCO on social media. “In the case of fleeing vehicles, having a helicopter in the air tracking the suspects reduces the need for pursuits on the roadway, thereby making it safer for the public.”

FMI: www.polksheriff.org