Authorities in Polk County are investigating a extreme act of vandalism and attempted arson targeting a local insurance office in what could become a federal hate crime case.
Surveillance footage released Tuesday shows a silver Toyota Prius believed to be connected to the suspect who attacked Univista Insurance, a business located along Highway 60.
The incident unfolded around 1:30am last Thursday when a lone suspect approached the building, launched two Molotov cocktails at the storefront, and fired a gun through the glass entryway. Though the fire ignited briefly - scorching a wall and a decorative plant - it extinguished before causing extensive damage. A bullet was later recovered from the rear of the premises.
Investigators are searching not only for the suspect but for a motive. A chilling clue was left behind in bold spray-painted letters: “Civil War Trump.” Lake Wales police say the message suggests the crime may have been politically motivated.
“This could qualify as a hate crime, depending on what we uncover about the suspect’s intent,” said Lt. Dale Hampton of the Lake Wales Police Department.
The owner of the business, German Portillo, expressed shock and disbelief in an interview with local media. A longtime Lake Wales resident and active community member, Portillo has led the Univista Insurance franchise for nearly eight years. He is also a pastor at Iglesia Bautista Nuevo Amanecer and operates a separate small business in satellite communications.
"We walked in and saw the scorched damage and debris," Portillo said. "You don’t expect something like this when you’re just trying to serve your community."
Portillo said he has no political affiliations and has never experienced issues with customers. He believes the attack was not personal, but still deeply unsettling. “It’s hard not to feel targeted, even when you don’t know why,” he said.
Portillo’s work in Lake Wales spans both the business and faith communities. As a pastor since 2013 and a franchisee since 2017, he is widely known for his commitment to helping families with insurance, spiritual support, and even internet access in rural areas.
Despite the traumatic attack, 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 incident, the local community has rallied around the business, offering emotional and financial support. Heartland Crime Stoppers has posted a $2,500 reward for information that leads to an arrest.
Lake Wales police are urging anyone who may have seen the suspect or the vehicle - a silver Toyota Prius - to come forward.
The suspect, if apprehended, 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 continues, Univista Insurance remains open for business - proof, Portillo says, that fear will not define his work or his mission.
