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 Brian Bruchey, Carrie Horstman, and Alicia Manautou. 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.

Jul 27, 2022

PCSO investigating shootings of two teens; one victim deceased

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

The Polk County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit is investigating the fatal shooting of a 17-year old Davenport male, whose body was found near the roadway near Jennings Road and Jack Watkins Road in Haines City, on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at around 4:51 p.m.

Detectives believe the case is related to a non-fatal shooting of a 17-year old Winter Haven male that occurred on the 600 block of Lemon Street in Dundee, which was reported about 16-minutes earlier.

Detectives are working to find additional witnesses and evidence related to the shooting deaths. If anyone has any information, they are asked to call the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 863-298-6200. If they wish to remain anonymous and eligible for a reward, they can provide information to Heartland Crime Stoppers at 863-226-TIPS (8477).

This is an active, ongoing investigation---this is the only information being released at this time.