The Lake Wales Police Department announced the arrest of a suspect in the ignition of flares at Eagle Ridge Mall on Jan. 21.

On Saturday morning, LWPD officers, along with officers from the Auburndale Police Department and Polk County Sheriff's deputies, apprehended Patrick Joseph Collins, 32, of Auburndale, in connection with the mall incident.

As investigators initiated surveillance at 315 Leta Street in Auburndale, Collins left the residence. According to the police report, Collins attempted to flee on a 2010 Harley Davidson motorcycle and crashed into one of the deputy's vehicles. He then ran from the scene but was captured and taken into custody following a brief struggle. Collins was taken to Winter Haven Hospital because of the motorcycle crash, but was medically cleared.

The Lake Wales Police Department charged Collins with attempted arson and manufacturing/possessing a hoax bomb. The Polk County Sheriff's Office charged Collins with resisting an officer without violence. Collins is scheduled for first appearance Sunday morning.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information should contact Lake Wales Police Det. Whitney Dukes at 863-678-4223, Ext. 269 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 800-226-8477.