A Florida man trespassed on a construction site dressed in red lace lingerie with a handgun stashed inside a silicone breast implant, turning a routine patrol into a bizarre armed standoff.
Story Snapshot
- 39-year-old Matthew Zaccarino arrested in Polk County after deputies spotted him donning a red lace bra, G-string, and prosthetic breasts hiding a gun.
- Sheriff Grady Judd highlighted the absurdity in a viral briefing: “A lace bra, a G-string and a hidden gun. Folks, you cannot make this up.”
- Charged with trespassing while armed, loitering and prowling, and resisting arrest without violence; now held in Polk County Jail.
- Incident underscores construction site vulnerabilities in Florida’s growth areas, prompting calls for heightened patrols.
The Bizarre Arrest Unfolds
Polk County deputies patrolled a construction site near Ernie Caldwell Boulevard and Grandview Parkway last month. They observed 39-year-old Matthew Zaccarino of Altamonte Springs standing beside a vehicle. As deputies approached, Zaccarino donned a red lace bra, G-string, and silicone prosthetic breasts. Deputies ordered him to stop. He removed the items, exposing a concealed handgun under one breast insert. Zaccarino reached into the vehicle before deputies handcuffed him. They booked him into Polk County Jail on multiple charges. This sequence highlights the rapid escalation from trespass to armed confrontation.
Sheriff Judd’s No-Nonsense Response
Sheriff Grady Judd, Polk County’s long-serving lawman since 2004, addressed the incident in a press briefing and social media post. He described the scene vividly: “As our deputies approach… we see this dude wearing a red lace bra with prosthetic silicone breasts… Then we notice he’s wearing a G-string… under the prosthesis, deputies found a gun… He’s mad at us… It was ugly.” Judd emphasized public safety risks, noting unknown armed individuals on private property could turn dangerous. His humorous yet firm style deters crime while engaging residents. Zaccarino claimed he headed to a costume party but refused details, an excuse deputies dismissed amid non-compliance.
Context in Florida’s Law Enforcement Landscape
The arrest fits Florida’s “Florida Man” meme, fueled by open public records laws since the 2010s. Polk County faces trespassing challenges amid rapid Central Florida growth and active construction sites. Florida’s permitless concealed carry since 2023 allows legal possession elsewhere, but private property rules prohibit it here. No prior incidents link to Zaccarino. Sheriff Judd often publicizes odd arrests—like avocado thefts or drunk bell ringers—to promote vigilance. Construction operators now prioritize security against such intrusions, protecting workers and materials in boom areas.
Short-term, Polk County Sheriff’s Office boosts patrols at sites. Long-term, the case may set precedents for armed trespass prosecutions involving unusual concealments. Communities gain safety messaging, while Zaccarino faces legal consequences through the Polk County State Attorney’s Office. Economically, impacts stay local with negligible broader effects. Socially, it amplifies memes linking to other quirky crimes. Politically, Judd strengthens his tough-on-crime reputation through savvy media engagement. Law enforcement nationwide notes his briefing model for public buy-in.
Sources:
Florida man wearing lace lingerie accused of hiding gun under prosthetic breasts
Florida man in red lingerie allegedly hid gun under prosthetic silicone breasts: ‘It was ugly’
