Polk Deputies Arrest Man Accused Of Attempted Murder: Update

UPDATE: Jahmari McCray was taken into custody without incident Wednesday evening by Polk County deputies in the Gordonville/Bartow area. He was booked into the Polk County Jail on a warrant for attempted murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, discharging a firearm in public and violation of probation, according to the sheriff's office.

WINTER HAVEN, FL – Polk County Sheriff’s deputies are on the lookout for an 18-year-old man who reportedly shot a 62-year-old Winter Haven woman.

According to the sheriff’s office, Jahmari Lathon McCray has been positively identified as the person who robbed the Circle K at 1108 Spirit Lake Road in Winter Haven on Sunday, Dec. 10, at about 5:15 a.m. During the robbery, McCray allegedly shot Melissa Thomas while she was sitting in her car in front of the Circle K. According to sheriff’s reports, the shooter pointed the gun and fired at her through her open car door as she was preparing to leave the Circle K. The gunshot wound was not life-threatening. Following surgery, Thomas is in stable condition at a local hospital.

McCray has been arrested three times by Polk County Sheriff’s deputies on charges including petit theft and grand theft. His last arrest was Oct. 10 on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of narcotics paraphernalia and violation of probation on a burglary charge.

An arrest warrant has been issued for McCray for attempted murder, carrying a concealed firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and discharging a firearm in public.

There is a $2,000 Heartland Crime Stoppers reward for information leading to McCray's arrest.

Anyone with information who wants to remain anonymous and be eligible for the cash reward should call Heartland Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.

Photo via Polk County Jail