Lake Wales Insurance Business Targeted in Molotov Cocktail Attack, Investigation Underway

Lake Wales Insurance Business Targeted in Molotov Cocktail Attack, Investigation Underway

LAKE WALES, Fla. – A Lake Wales insurance business was targeted in a brazen attack last week, after the suspect threw two Molotov cocktails and fired a shot through the front door.

According to the Lake Wales Police Department (LWPD), the incident occurred at the Univista Insurance branch on Highway 60 around 1:30 a.m. last Thursday. Surveillance footage captured images of a silver Toyota Prius believed to be driven by the suspect.

The franchise owner, German Portillo, shared his shock and concern with FOX 13.

“We still feel fear. I’m not going to lie,” Portillo said. “As soon as we came in, we saw the Molotov-type bombs.”

The Molotov cocktails ignited on a wall and an artificial plant, but the fire self-extinguished. The attack also involved a shot fired through the front door, with the bullet lodging in the back of the business.

Police are currently investigating a possible motive, which could potentially lead to hate crime charges. “This could be considered a hate crime if all the elements line up,” said Lt. Dale Hampton with LWPD. The phrase “Civil War Trump” was spray-painted on the business before the suspect left the scene.

Portillo stated he has not had any prior issues with customers, making the reasons for the attack unclear. However, Portillo is determined to keep his business going.

“They’re not going to get any quitting from us,” Portillo said. “We’re going to keep serving the community and our customers the way we have done.”

The suspect could face charges of burglary and arson. Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest.

The information for this article was gathered through an interview with the franchise owner of Univista Insurance and the Lake Wales Police Department.