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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 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.
Aug 27, 2021
A shooting at Lake Blue Park in unincorporated Winter Haven that occurred yesterday (Thursday, 8-26-21))
Media Contact: Alicia Manautou, PIO
On Thursday, August 26, 2021, PCSO detectives responded to a shooting at Lake Blue Park in unincorporated Winter Haven where two people were shot; one deceased. Watch Sheriff Judd's remarks on our Facebook page.
This investigation is still active, but the preliminary information is as follows:
According to witness and victim statements, earlier in the day two sisters and their cousin, along with a friend, called a Haines City man so they could purchase marijuana. They agreed to meet at Lake Blue Park.
When they arrived at the park, one of the sisters exited the car and met with the drug dealer. After he handed her a bag of marijuana, the cousin approached the man and attempted to rob him.
The man told detectives he was in fear for his life and grabbed a gun from his vehicle and began shooting at the cousin, hitting him.
As he got out of his car, he said people in a car drove at him, and he fired his gun into the vehicle.
The driver was shot and declared deceased at the scene. The cousin is currently in the hospital in critical condition.
Other charges may be forthcoming.
Detectives are still attempting to identify the friend who was in the vehicle with the two sisters and cousin. If you know this person or have any information concerning this crime please contact us at 863-298-6200.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
* Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
* From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
* Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip," * Or download the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.
You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.