WAUCHULA, Fla. – The man named as a person of interest in the disappearance of a Palm Beach Gardens Lyft driver in January is now back in Florida in the Hardee County jail on unrelated murder charges.

(At the time of his disappearnce, the Lyft driver had last been seen in Okeechobee County.)

Following a murder investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Wauchula Police Department, suspect Mathew Scott Flores, 36, was extradited back to Hardee County from Rutherford County, North Carolina.  Flores arrived in Florida this afternoon around 3:30 p.m. and was booked into the Hardee County Jail.

Flores is charged with first degree murder, grand theft, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On January 24, 2023, Wauchula Police Department responded to a shooting near the 300 block of Ohio Avenue and discovered a man had been shot. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he later died.

FDLE’s involvement in the investigation came after Wauchula PD discovered Flores fled the scene on his way to Hendersonville, North Carolina.
A week later, on February 2, 2023, law enforcement officials in North Carolina arrested Flores in Rutherford County on a fugitive warrant out of Florida.

Special Agent in Charge Eli Lawson said, “Residents of Florida should not have to worry about violent criminals like Flores living freely. Our agents in the FDLE Sebring Field Office and officers at Wauchula Police Department have worked tirelessly to make sure Flores faces the consequences of his actions. All of Florida can sleep soundly knowing this man is behind bars.”

Wauchula Police Department Chief Brandon Ball said, “We are ecstatic to have this accused violent offender back in Hardee County and the 10th Judicial Circuit where he will be held accountable for his actions. We are proud of the continued efforts of our partners at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuting attorneys in the 10th Judicial Circuit. All parties involved have worked diligently and in concerted effort since January 24th, 2023 to see this day. Members of the Wauchula Police Department will continue to work with our partners to see this case through prosecution. This offender is now exactly where he belongs, in Hardee County, being held accountable for his violent, unlawful actions. We will continue to pray for the family of the victim in this case.”
Flores spent six months in Rutherford County Jail before he was flown into Wauchula Municipal Airport today and booked into Hardee County Jail.