At approximately 11:00 am, Saturday, March 6, 2010, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic deputies responded to Cass Road, near Adams Barn Road in Lake Alfred in reference to a Hit and Run Traffic Crash.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office joins hundreds of other law enforcement agencies across Florida in renewing a pledge to save lives by intensifying efforts to enforce seat belt laws during the national Click It or Ticket campaign, which runs from March 1 – March 15, 2010.

Polk County Sheriff’s Robbery detectives have arrested a Lake Wales man this evening wanted for a home invasion robbery in which a 69-year-old woman was punched in the face and her jewelry and cash was taken.

On Thursday, February 18, 2010, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, (Explorers are high school student volunteers), conducted “Operation Pop-Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Mulberry and south Lakeland area.

This most recent warning comes as a result of Polk County Sheriff’s detectives spotting several men from out-of-state driving around the Lakeland area, attempting to solicit paving work from residents and local businesses on a cash payment basis.

31-year-old Detention Deputy Maria Guzman was fired yesterday, February 17, 2010, for two sustained allegations of improper conduct (untruthfulness and conduct unbecoming of a member of the Sheriff’s Office).

A 9-year-old Lakeland boy was severely injured late Thursday afternoon, February 18, 2010, when a WWII “Pineapple” grenade exploded in his hand.

“Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies work hard to keep our residents safe,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “This is a reminder of what they face as they do their job.”

Polk County Sheriff’s deputies, working with prosecutors from the State Attorney’s Office for the 10th Judicial Circuit, successfully apprehended two “traveling scam artists” known to have victimized several elderly people in Florida and other states.

Sheriff Grady Judd is seeking residents of Polk County, who are over the age of 18, to apply to participate in his sixth Sheriff’s Advisory Council – the current Sheriff’s Advisory Council will end their 1-year term in April 2010. The Council will consist of 20 members who will serve voluntarily and meet quarterly with Sheriff Judd.

The words distracted and driving just don’t go together. For example, the definition of distracted is having attention diverted. The definition of driving is the controlled operation of a vehicle. See?

On Thursday, January 28, 2010, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a crime suppression / interdiction initiative throughout Polk County. Deputies searched for wanted suspects with outstanding warrants, followed up on felons on probation and those out on bail, and made contacts with the public. During this initiative hundreds of community contacts were made and 87 suspects were arrested.

Over the next 18 months, approximately 1 million U.S. Census workers will be surveying the country’s population to gather demographic information from residents. And Polk County residents will be counted as well.

Sheriff Grady Judd invites the public and media to attend the Mulberry Sheriff's Station Open House on February 4, 2010.

Polk County Sheriff’s Computer Crimes and Special Victims detectives arrested a Bartow man last week for possession of child pornography and added additional charges against him after investigation revealed he sexually battered a four-year-old girl while creating child pornography images during the molestation.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 42-year-old Troy McKay Young this morning, Monday, January 25, 2010. Young is charged with Unlawful Compensation, Felony 2nd Degree, and Misuse of Confidential information, Misdemeanor.

Detectives targeting street prostitution in the Wabash area of Lakeland arrested twenty-one people on January 21, 2010.

On Thursday, January 21, 2010 Polk County Sheriff’s School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, (Explorers are high school student volunteers), conducted “Operation Pop Top” in the Frostproof, Lake Wales, Lake Alfred, and Winter Haven areas, in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors.

20-year-old Samantha Fowler was arrested late in the afternoon today and charged with Theft of copper and other nonferrous metals from utilities (F/1), Grand theft (F/3), and Trespass (M/1). Fowler is the sister of 18-year-old Bryant Allen Cody (who was critically shocked while climbing on a live transformer attempting to steal copper wire on December 30, 2009).

Crossing Guard To Be Removed

On Tuesday, December 29, 2009, members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and PCSO Tactical Drug Unit conducted a joint initiative with the Bartow Police Department in the City of Bartow. During this initiative numerous community contacts were made resulting in a total of eleven (11) arrests.

Polk County Sheriff’s undercover Tactical Drug Unit detectives dismantled a large-scale crack-cocaine operation and charged 60 people with drug and trafficking charges, mostly from the Bartow area, during Operation Crack Down.

Sheriff Judd and all of the men and women of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office offer the following tips to the citizens of Polk County to have a safe and happy holiday season.

This morning, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 38-year-old Corey Lynn Swindler, principal of Sikes Elementary School in Lakeland, and charged with six counts of lewd molestation on a child less than 12 years of age and one count of sexual battery on a child under 12 years of age.

Deputies arrested 21-year-old William Garrett Coe of 18 North 18th Street, Haines City today (December 16, 2009) after a Sheriff’s Office investigation revealed that he was driving under the influence of illegal drugs (Marijuana intoxication) at the time of a fatal crash. Polk County Sheriff’s Traffic Crash deputies investigated the triple fatal traffic crash that occurred on US Hwy 27 North in Davenport on September 15, 2009.

Deputies arrested 21-year-old William Garrett Coe of 18 North 18th Street, Haines City Wednesday after a Sheriff’s Office investigation revealed that he was driving under the influence of illegal drugs (Marijuana intoxication) at the time of a fatal crash. Polk County Sheriff’s Traffic Crash deputies investigated the triple fatal traffic crash that occurred on US Hwy 27 North in Davenport on September 15, 2009.

On Wednesday, December 9, 2009, Sheriff Grady Judd and the Polk County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with the Board of County Commissioners and the North Ridge Community Redevelopment Agency, will hold an open house and a tour of the new PCSO Northeast District Command facility, located at 1100 Dunson Road in Davenport.

In Salt Lake City Utah, on Saturday, November 21, 2009, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) prestigious Flagship Agency designation. The award was presented at CALEA’s reaccreditation ceremony which is held three times a year.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section is once again hosting its annual Pet Fest from 10:00 am, to 4:00 pm, Saturday, December 5, 2009, at the Shelter, located on 7115 De Castro Road, Winter Haven.

14-year-old Noel Cruz-Diego of 819 N. Davis Ave., Lakeland has been charged with Attempted Felony Murder and Home Invasion Robbery by the Lakeland Police Department for the savage stabbing and home invasion that occurred last night in the Wabash area of Lakeland. Other charges for related criminal offenses are anticipated to be filed by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

As part of the "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest." campaign, PCSO traffic deputies will be conducting DUI patrols this holiday season.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is hosting a softball tournament on Saturday, November 21, 2009. All proceeds go to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Take a sentimental journey and hear two of our very own perform in their barbershop quartet, Saturday, November 14, 2009.

On Thursday, November 5, 2009, acting on an anonymous tip, Polk County Sheriff’s undercover detectives served a search warrant in Bartow and seized a working moonshine still. The detectives were assisted by an agent from the Florida Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).

PCSO detectives believe the baby was starved to death.

PCSO Detectives have arrested 3 suspects and are seeking 2 others in the October 4th, Poinciana Double Homicide -Home Invasion.

After battling a lengthy illness, Mr. Johnny Brooks, an avid community activist died at approximately 11:45 am, Sunday, October 18, 2009.

After a nearly year-long investigation, a Lake Wales man has been charged with several counts of Grand Theft and one count Scheming to Defraud for stealing tens of thousands of dollars from victims throughout central Florida by selling their campers and recreational vehicles (RV’s) for them on consignment and pocketing the cash.

The crossing located at Pipkin Road and Dorman Road in Lakeland is no longer being utilized by elementary students walking to Medulla Elementary

Sheriff Grady Judd announces that the PCSO C.A.P. (Citizens Assisted Patrol) Program has been selected as the 2009 Florida Crime Prevention Association Outstanding Crime Prevention Program.

Polk County Sheriff's Homicide detectives are seeking the public's help in solving a home invasion in which a man and woman were shot and killed.

Polk County Sheriff's Animal Control Officers are investigating a raccoon attack that occurred in the Waterford Drive area of Lakeland in which a 74-year-old woman was severely injured.

Polk County Sheriff’s Computer Crimes detectives arrested a Winter Haven man today after investigation revealed he had several images of child pornography downloaded to his iPod Nano, which his girlfriend’s son then took to school and showed to other students.

Polk County Sheriff’s Homicide detectives arrested a Lakeland woman today after investigation revealed that she was illegally obtaining and then administering to her husband prescription Fentanyl* (a synthetic opiate) patches, which led to his death by overdose.

During the operation, an attempt to purchase alcohol was made at 7 stores, with 5 of those stores in compliance.

At approximately 8:37 am, this morning, Monday, September 21, 2009, at the CVS Pharmacy located at 6170 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, a witness observed a white male wearing a wig and fake beard enter the store, placed some items on the counter, and then walk outside. Once outside, the suspect began pacing back and forth in front of the store.

For the third time this year, teamwork and communication between Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies and Lake Wales Police Officers resulted in the successful and swift apprehension of a robbery suspect minutes after the suspect committed a robbery.

Sheriff Judd is warning residents about a recent scam that involves men posing as alarm company representatives for the sole purpose of gleaning personal information from unsuspecting victims.

Polk County Sheriff's Animal Control Officers responded to the area of Peters Road in Bartow on Sept. 13, 2009, to a report of a fox attack. The fox later tested positive for rabies.

"Jared" of Subway fame visited PCSO to recognize American Heart Association award winners.

From Thursday through Saturday, September 10-12, 2009, Polk County Sheriff’s undercover detectives talked to women who advertised themselves on www.craigslist.com, and arrested 34 people after having email and telephone conversations with 28 different women who negotiated prices for sex acts.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of Detention Sgt. Ronnie O'Neal Brown, a nearly 20-year-veteran of the Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. Brown passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2009, at Winter Haven Hospital.

Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., is sponsoring a “Bustin’ Clays with Sheriff Grady Judd” event at the Tenoroc Sporting Clays, 3755 Tenoroc Mine Road in Lakeland, on Saturday, October 10, 2009. The public and the media are invited to join us at this charity event!

Polk County Sheriff’s Special Victims detectives arrested a 35-year-old Lakeland man who is a volunteer minister at an Auburndale church and charged him with 5 counts Custodial Sexual Battery on a 12-year-old female victim after the victim disclosed that the man, whom she met at the church, had sexually abused her during the summer of 2009.

The bodies of 57-year-old John “Jack” M. Nicholson, Perch Street, Winter Haven, and 21-year-old Kristy Lisenby, were discovered in an orange grove on the corner of Pearce Road and Lakeview Court, Winter Haven, at approximately 10:00 am this morning, Wednesday, August 26, 2009. The couple was the subject of a PCSO investigation which began yesterday after witnesses reported seeing Nicholson shoot Lisenby near a car dealership in Winter Haven.

Sheriff Grady Judd reminds Polk County residents that public schools are back in session Monday, August 24, 2009. The amount of traffic on our roadways will dramatically increase during early morning and after-school hours.

Polk County Sheriff’s Animal Control Officers responded to the area of Roy Burt Road in Lakeland due to a report of a raccoon that had an altercation with a pet cat on Monday, August 10, 2009.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 20-year-old Travis Lane Bragg, 2213 9th Street SE, Winter Haven, over the weekend, charging him with (2) Counts of Sexual Battery. Bragg’s victims met him via the social media website, MySpace.

Help Keep School Zones Safe Zones.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office has completed the requirements to be re-accredited by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC).

According to the Uniform Crime Report, during the first six months of 2009, crime is down 4.97% compared to the first six months of 2008.

Thanks to an alert citizen and some proactive teamwork, Polk County Sheriff’s deputies responding to a call about a suspicious vehicle arrested four suspects, one of whom was previously responsible for vehicle burglaries in the same area he was captured.

A joint investigation involving detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Haines City Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, resulted in the arrest and charging of nine people and the seizure of eight illegal gambling machines from Amos’ Tavern, located at 200 US Hwy 17-92 North in Haines City.

On Thursday, July 30, 2009, Sheriff Grady Judd announced a new notification service to the community. “We will be notifying Polk County residents about emergency situations in their area, when those emergencies are occurring,” said Sheriff Judd. “We will be sending public safety alerts to our resident’s cell phones, and email addresses – and it’s free, for us and for our community.”

A Lakeland man who recently violated his probation pled no contest to two counts Corruption by Threat of a Public Servant in July 2009 and was sentenced to two years in state prison after a Polk County gang detective discovered a rap song posted on Myspace in which the man threatened to kill two Lakeland Police Officers.

The United States Department of Justice notified the Polk County Sheriff’s Office yesterday, Tuesday, July 29, that it is scheduled to receive a grant through the Federal Community Oriented Policing (COPS) Hiring Recovery Program that will provide $5,780,128 to hire 32 new deputy sheriffs.

Waste-Watch is a partnership between the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Refuse Service workers in which employees of Florida Refuse assist law enforcement by observing and reporting suspicious activity while out in neighborhoods during the normal course of their duties collecting refuse.

National Night Out will be held Tuesday, August 4, 2009.

Polk County Sheriff’s Homicide detectives arrested Timothy King, DOB 11/16/77, of 2483 Hamlet Circle of Lakeland, in Hillsborough County on Thursday, July 16, 2009, after their week-long investigation revealed he caused the death of his 5-month-old baby daughter.

Around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2009, Polk County Sheriff’s deputies responded to 4390 Ramblewood Place in Mulberry in response to a call about a missing and endangered juvenile when they located what appeared to be small marijuana plants growing in the backyard of the residence.

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will hold a ceremony to celebrate the building dedication of the Johnny and Freda Brooks Eloise Resource Center, at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 18, 2009, at the Eloise Resource Center, 710 Snively Avenue, Winter Haven. The building is being dedicated to Johnny and Freda in honor of the support, hard work, and service they have selflessly given to the Eloise community. The public and media are invited to attend.

Sheriff Grady Judd announced a $10,000.00 cash reward today for information that leads to an arrest of a suspect or suspects responsible for ongoing criminal vandalism that has occurred in Ft. Meade. The reward is being offered by Heartland Crime Stoppers and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Tips may be reported anonymously at 1.800.226.TIPS (8477).

At approximately 8:45 pm, Tuesday, July 7, 2009, Polk County Sheriff’s Robbery detectives arrested 22-year-old Jared Cline in connection to the July 5, 2009 Robbery which occurred at the Circle K-Shell Convenience store located at 933 West Pipkin Road, Lakeland.

July 8, 2009 - Polk County Sheriff's Animal Control Officer impounded two bats and sent their carcasses to the state lab for testing, one of whom tested positive for rabies.

A DUI Manslaughter suspect, who has had a warrant issued for his arrest by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office since June 19, 2009, was apprehended today (July 8, 2009) in Chelsea, Massachusetts, by the U.S. Marshal’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police.

During the month of June 2009, several Polk County residents were the victims of a scam involving driveway repairs done by an unlicensed contractor.

On Tuesday, June 30, 2009, members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigations Section, Intelligence Unit, and Robbery Unit conducted a Violent Crimes Task Force initiative in the Northwest District area of Polk County. During the initiative thirty (30) subjects were arrested.

On Friday, June 26, 2009, after receiving information about possible drugs and explosives, members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Drug Unit, PCSO SWAT team, PCSO Narcotics Unit, with the assistance of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, or HIDTA, Task Force, Federal ATF Agents, and Florida State Fire Marshals Agents, executed a search warrant at a north Lakeland residence.

On Tuesday, June 30, 2009, at 1:30 p.m., the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will demonstrate the Simulated Impaired Driving Experience, or SIDNE (pronounced “Sydney,” as in Sydney, Australia) to the Florida Sheriff’s Ranches Youth Villa for Girls. The girls will be provided with a demonstration and the opportunity to drive it at the Youth Villa located just east of Bartow on Highway 60, in order to demonstrate the dangerous effects of drunk driving.

June 24, 2009 - Polk County Sheriff’s Agricultural Crimes deputies charged a Polk County woman with 24 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty for improperly feeding and caring for dogs that she has been leasing to businesses in and around Polk County as guard dogs.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office undercover detectives have charged 68-year-old Enrique Vela, and his wife, 56-year-old Ute Marquez, both of 1502 Dundee Road, Winter Haven, with Practicing Medicine without a License (F-3). The couple operates the “Alternative Therapy Center,” a business at their residence, 1502 Dundee Road, Winter Haven.

On June 9, 2009, a Heartland Crime Stoppers case was posted on the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page. As a result, a suspect in a recent Vehicle Burglary and Credit Card Theft which occurred on Jessanda Circle, Lakeland, was arrested.

At approximately 6:30 pm, Monday, June 15, 2009, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 47-year-old Claude Edward Holmes, Jr., 2207 North Navel Circle, Haines City, charging him with Dumping Raw Human Waste for Commercial Purposes, Violation of Probation and Resisting without Violence.

On Thursday, June 11, 2009, during a 10 hour investigation targeting crimes related to quality of life issues crimes, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Task Force, comprised of detectives from the Tactical Drug, and Robbery Units, concentrated their efforts in the unincorporated area of northwest Lakeland – 21 suspects were arrested as a result of the investigation.

After receiving multiple complaints about a residence in the Hawks Ridge subdivision, a gated community in north Lakeland, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigation Unit, assisted by members of the PCSO Tactical Drug Unit began an investigation into possible drug activity.

On Thursday, May 28, 2009, as a result of a four month long investigation, the largest of its kind, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Computer Crimes detectives arrested 45 suspects, based upon 50 search warrants and seizure of approximately 12,000 child pornographic images.

Suspect Data and Photos

May 27, 2009 - PCSO undercover narcotics detectives, in conjunction with ICE agents, arrested a Lakeland man for dealing in massive quantities of illegal anabolic steroids.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives today charged 35-year-old Edward Caldwell with Negligent Manslaughter – Aggravated Neglect of Elderly Disable; and multiple charges of Theft and Forgery.

May 20, 2009 - Polk and Osceola detectives conducted a large-scale investigation into marijuana grow houses in the Poinciana area. Numerous arrests were made and grow houses discovered and dismantled.

On Saturday, May 16, 2009, detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Haines City Police Department, conducted a Violent Crimes Task Force initiative in the Haines City area.

On May 14, 2009, members of High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, or HIDTA, Task Force, along with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Drug Unit, received information about a marijuana grow house possibly being operated at a residence located on Selkirk Lane in Lakeland.

May 8, 2009 - PCSO detectives arrested a Haines City math teacher for having sex with a school student.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives, working in conjunction with the St. Petersburg Police Homicide and Warrants Units, have obtained a warrant for the arrest of Registered Sexual Offender, 36-year-old Aurelio Martinez, 815.5 20th Avenue South, St. Petersburg.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives continue their investigation today, Monday, May 4, 2009, of an apparent triple murder/suicide that occurred at 2018 Creek Bend Drive in South Lakeland, at approximately 9:30 pm Sunday, May 3, 2009.

Apr. 29, 2009 - A Wahneta man stopped a couple from stealing his SUV during the early hours of Tuesday, April 28, 2009.

Apr. 24, 2009 - Sheriff Grady Judd is warning residents about a recent scam seen in Polk County involving people posing as bank clerks and law enforcement officers.

“Acting on a tip, a Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy averted what could have been a tragedy at Kathleen High School today, said Sheriff Grady Judd.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section is hosting an Adopt-A-Thon from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, on Saturday, April 25, 2009, at the PCSO Animal Control Section’s shelter located at 7115 De Castro Road, Winter Haven.

Investigating illicit drug activity, members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Drug Unit, with assistance from the PCSO Narcotics Unit, seized over $18,000.00 in US Currency and over 2 pounds of Methamphetamine from a Haines City residence on Wednesday, April 15, 2009.

Apr. 14, 2009 - April 15th is Federal tax day for all of us who work, raise a family, play by the rules, and do our best to enjoy the fruits of our labor. It is also tax day for those who don’t work but reside in the Polk County Jail.

Apr. 14, 2008 - On Wednesday, April 15th and Thursday, April 16th, 2009, Sheriff Grady Judd will recognize the many volunteers who donate their time to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at the annual PCSO Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.

Apr. 14. 2009 - In a precedent case, a Polk County man was sentenced in court April 9, 2009, to 60 years in state prison for Possession of Child Pornography

Apr. 13, 2009 - An armed carjacking suspect was arrested on Saturday, April 11th, thanks to tips received after seeing his photo in the local newspaper.

Apr. 8, 2009 - Detectives assigned to the PCSO Narcotics Unit, along with LPD and HIDTA, seized bags of marijuana, cash, firearms, and pit bulls from a Lakeland home.

Apr. 7, 2009 - In an effort to provide Easter cheer and encouragement to women and children in local hospitals, The Easter Bunny will be hopping along with a PCSO deputy sheriff escort on Friday, April 10, 2009.

At approximately 1:30 pm on Saturday, April 4, 2009, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a 2001 blue Dodge Dakota in the area of Highway 98 North. The truck had been reported stolen out of Lakeland on Friday, April 3, 2009.

At approximately 5:00 pm, on Thursday, April 2, 2009, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Drug detectives arrested 40-year-old Shawn Contrell Williams on multiple drug related charges. The arrested ended a two-month long investigation concerning Williams’ illicit activity.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives last night, Thursday, April 2, 2009, arrested two men in connection with the Sunday, March 29, 2009, Armed Robbery of the Sunrise Supermarket-Convenience Store on Thornhill Road.

At approximately 1:00 pm, Friday, April 3, 2009, Polk County Sheriff’s Office narcotics detectives conducted a traffic stop and discovered a kilo of Cocaine.

As reported last week, at approximately 10:30 pm, Saturday, March 28, 2009, armed suspects kicked in the carport door leading into the kitchen of a duplex located on North Frontage Road in Lakeland.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives, this morning, Wednesday, April 1, 2009, are investigating the attempted escape of an inmate who had been taken to Bartow Regional Medical Center shortly after his arrest yesterday morning. He has since been rearrested after being found on the hospital grounds.

March 29, 2009 - On Saturday, March 28th, a Lakeland man shot and killed an armed suspect attempting to rob him.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives have learned that an unreported burglary led to the Idaho Avenue confrontation with gunfire in Lakeland, Sunday morning, March 22, 2009.

Deputies investigating a shooting at Idaho Avenue, Lakeland encounter armed gunman at Penny Royal Court.

Between Monday, March 16, 2009, and Tuesday, March 17, 2009, a series of vehicle burglaries occurred in the east Lakeland area in and near the Heritage at Clubhouse subdivision.

Mar. 16, 2009 - A suspect wanted for retail theft and battery on a law enforcement officer, who fled on foot from a Polk County Sheriff’s Sergeant on Sunday evening, March 15, 2009, died when he ran into a 2001 Ford Ranger that was traveling north on U.S. Hwy 27 in Lake Wales.

Mar. 16, 2009 - Polk County Sheriff's deputies from the Northwest District arrested Christopher Gay, a Tennessee & Georgia fugitive from justice, on Monday, March 16, 2009.

At approximately 11:30 pm, today, Tuesday, March 10, 2009, Polk County Sheriff’s Office agriculture deputies arrested 39-year-old Cody L. Gibbs, of 2210 Lake Drive, NW, Winter Haven, charging him with Fighting and Baiting Animals, and Possession of Fighting Equipment; both Felony charges.

March 6, 2009 - PCSO leads multi-jurisdictional investigation into organized retail theft of baby formula.

March 4, 2009 - Sheriff Grady Judd alerts Polk County residents to a telephone scam that has already victimized two elderly people.

Feb. 28, 2009 - Agricultural Crimes deputies served a search warrant on a home in Lakeland and arrested 2 men for possessing, breeding, and fighting roosters.

Feb. 26, 2009 - Undercover narcotics detectives served a search warrant in Wahneta and located a meth manufacturing lab.

Today, Sunday, February 22, 2009, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives charged 57-year-old Robert Ray Bair, Dove Meadow Drive, Lakeland, with Second Degree Murder in the Saturday, February 21, 2009, stabbing death of 52-year-old Robert C. Opatt, Rushing Road, Lakeland.

After a week-long investigation, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Robbery detectives arrested 23-year-old Brandon Michael Niccoli, 2115 Ave G NW Winter Haven, charging him with 5 Counts of Robbery with Weapon, and 5 Counts of Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer. Niccoli targeted Mexican male victims.

Feb. 12, 2009 - Polk County Sheriff’s Traffic deputies have identified the driver involved in a mid-day Hit and Run Crash that occurred in Winter Haven on Monday, February 9, 2009.

Feb. 11, 2009 - At approximately 4:15pm, on Wednesday, February 11, 2009, Polk County Sheriff's Bureau of Special Investigations detectives, working in conjunction with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission), the Winter Haven Police Department, and the State Attorney's Office, served a search warrant at 214 Lee Avenue, NE, Winter Haven, and arrested a Winter Haven man after they discovered he was illegally transmitting a radio broadcast on frequency 87.9 FM MHZ.

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Jan. 27, 2009-Undercover detectives find two related grow houses in Lakeland and arrested three people.

Jan. 23, 2009- PCSO detectives arrest two Donald E. Woods Alternative School teachers for possesion of marijuana and paraphernalia.

Jan. 23, 2009 - Lake Wales Police caught Darryl Moody and accomplice Timothy Jones minutes after robbing an IHOP restaurant.

01-22-09

Jan. 20, 2009 - During Operation Pop Top, an attempt to purchase alcohol was made at 14 stores, with 13 of those stores in compliance.

Jan. 18, 2009 - Deputies arrested a husband and wife from Davenport for leaving the scene of a fatal hit-and-run in which a 17-year-old Haines City girl was killed.

Jan. 17, 2009 - Polk County Sheriff's deputies responded to a cockfight in progress in Mulberry and seized weapons, cash, and fighting roosters.

Jan. 16, 2009 - Lake Wales Police and Polk County Sheriff's deputies worked together through joint communications to apprehend a robbery suspect within minutes after the robbery occurred.

Jan. 3, 2009 - Homicide detectives made an arrest today of Robert Farley after he admitted to shooting and killing his 93-year-old father Walter Farley.