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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.
Jun 23, 2026
Two arrested after attempted cover-up of accidental shooting in Bartow
Media Contact: Brian Bruchey
On Monday, June 22, 2026, PCSO detectives responded to Bartow Regional Medical Center after being notified about a woman being treated there for a gunshot wound.
The woman was 21-year-old Madison Thomas of Bartow, and she had a gunshot wound to a toe on her right foot.
While detectives conducted their investigation of the shooting, Ms. Thomas repeatedly provided false information such as how and where the shooting occurred.
She also attempted to alter information on her cell phone, and when the detective attempted to seize the phone as evidence, Thomas grabbed his wrist.
Eventually, detectives went to Ms. Thomas' residence on 80-Foot Road in Bartow.
There, the detectives met and spoke with Thomas' fiancé, 22-year-old Cazar Caraker.
He too was misleading with his information.
Caraker was found to be a convicted felon and on probation for Lewd and Lascivious Battery on a Victim 13 or Under. Because of this, he is not allowed to be around his two youngest children.
Detectives determined that the children were at the residence at the time that the shooting occurred, and he tried to hide the children at a neighbor's residence prior to the arrival of the detectives.
Eventually, it was learned that Ms. Thomas accidentally shot her own toe, and Cazar told her to lie to law enforcement since he is not permitted to have a firearm on their property.
Thomas and Caraker were both arrested.
Thomas was charged with Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (F3), Resisting with violence (F3), Resisting without Violence (M1), and Provide False Information to Law Enforcement during a felony investigation (M1).
Caraker was charged with False Information During a Felony investigation (M1), Tampering with Physical evidence (F3), Tampering with a Witness (F1), Corruption by Threat (F3), Violation of Probation (F1), and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (F2).
Detectives notified the Florida Department of Children and Families about their investigation, and the children were placed with other family members.