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News and Investigations
News & Investigations
News Releases and Public Information
Welcome to the Polk County Sheriff's Office News Room, where the Public Information Officers (PIO's) post all of the information that they release to the news media. PIO's act as liaisons between news media organizations and the Sheriff's Office. The PIO's routinely release timely and accurate information and Crime Stoppers bulletins, and respond to routine and "breaking news" media inquiries. News releases and Crime Stoppers information can be found on this page.
PCSO's full-time Public Information Officers are Carrie Horstman, Brian Bruchey, and Julianna Rivera. The Public Information Officers can be reached by sending an e-mail collectively at PIOs@polksheriff.org.
The recent news releases sent out by the PIOs can be found here, and archived releases (older than 2017) can be found here.
Apr 4, 2018
17-year-old jogger badly injured by hit and run driver, suspect being sought
Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating a hit and run of a jogger which occurred Tuesday night, April 3, 2018, in Haines City, which left the jogger badly injured. The collision happened near 2614 Crest Lane in Haines City.
The jogger has been identified as 17-year-old Adam Schumacher of Haines City.
According to the preliminary investigation, at about 8:18 p.m., Schumacher was jogging along Crest Lane, when he was struck by a dark colored pick-up truck. After striking Schumacher, the truck continued through the front yard of 2614 Crest Lane and came to a stop after hitting a parked van in the driveway. The truck then pulled away and fled the scene.
Schumacher suffered skull and facial fractures, and a sprained ankle. He was transported to Osceola Medical Center and was listed in stable condition at that time.
"We're hoping someone knows who did this---striking a 17-year-old boy with a truck, then leaving him to die. Please, if you have any information, call us. And if you don't want to get involved, call Heartland Crime Stoppers anonymously. Let's get this driver identified." - Grady Judd, Sheriff
Based on evidence found at the scene, and information from a witness, the truck is believed to be 1997-2004 Ford F-150, dark in color, with damage to the front part of the truck, including the headlight area.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Detective Marshall at 863-297-1142. Or, if you'd like to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).