Polk County Insurance Office Attacked in Possible Hate Crime
Authorities in Polk County, Florida, are investigating a brazen act of vandalism and attempted arson at an insurance office, potentially escalating to a federal hate crime case.
Surveillance footage released by authorities on Tuesday shows a silver Toyota Prius believed to be linked to the suspect in the attack on Univista Insurance, a business located along Highway 60. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. last Thursday morning. A lone suspect approached the building, tossed two Molotov cocktails at the storefront, and fired a gun through the glass entryway. While a small fire did ignite – scorching a wall and a decorative plant – it quickly extinguished, preventing significant damage. A bullet was later recovered from the rear of the property.
Investigators are actively searching for the suspect and working to determine the motive behind the attack. A disturbing message, spray-painted in bold letters at the scene, may provide a clue: “Civil War Trump.” According to the Lake Wales Police Department, this message suggests the crime could be politically motivated.
“This could qualify as a hate crime, depending on what we uncover about the suspect’s intent,” stated Lt. Dale Hampton of the Lake Wales Police Department.
German Portillo, the owner of the targeted business, expressed both shock and disbelief in a recent interview with local media outlets. Portillo, a long-time resident of Lake Wales and a prominent community member, has managed the Univista Insurance franchise for nearly eight years. He is also a pastor at Iglesia Bautista Nuevo Amanecer and operates a separate small business focused on satellite communications.
“We walked in and saw the scorched damage and debris,” Portillo said of the aftermath of the attack. “You don’t expect something like this when you’re just trying to serve your community.”
Portillo stated he has no political affiliations and has never experienced issues with his customers. He believes the attack was not personal, but it was still deeply unsettling.
“It’s hard not to feel targeted, even when you don’t know why,” he added.
Portillo’s work in Lake Wales spans both the business and faith communities. He has served as a pastor since 2013 and as a franchisee since 2017. He is widely recognized for his commitment to assisting families with their insurance needs, providing spiritual support, and even helping to connect people in rural areas with internet access.
Despite the traumatic experience, Portillo said the incident has only strengthened his resolve. “We’re not going anywhere,” he said. “This is our home, and we will keep serving our customers with integrity and compassion.”
Since the attack, the local community has rallied to support the business. They have offered both emotional and financial assistance. Heartland Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,500 reward for any information that leads to an arrest. Lake Wales police are requesting that anyone who might have seen the suspect or the silver Toyota Prius to come forward.
If apprehended, the suspect could face multiple felony charges, including arson, burglary, and possibly hate crimes. “This isn’t just about broken glass or burned walls,” Portillo added. “It’s about the message it sends. And we’re here to say we’re not afraid.”
As the investigation proceeds, Univista Insurance remains open for business—a testament, Portillo says, that fear will not define his work or his mission.
