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.

Apr 3, 2023

PCSO catches three men burglarizing cars in Dundee

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

A car alarm alerted a Dundee neighborhood to car burglars early Monday morning, April 3, 2023, which resulted in the arrests of the three men by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

At about 12:27 am, PCSO deputies along with Drone and K-9 units, responded to the Ridge of Dundee subdivision after one of the victims reported three suspects wearing dark clothing and backpacks.

The drone unit spotted a suspicious black Chrysler 300 in the area and it was stopped by deputies. Inside the car were three men matching the description given by the victim. The men were in possession of face coverings, burglary tools, and computer equipment and purses stolen from the burglarized vehicles.

“What a perfect example of ‘See something, say something,’ and how well it can work. Deputies were notified immediately and given a good description of the suspects. It was a great job by the witness and the responding deputies.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

All three men were arrested and charged as follows:
* AR’Z Jovn Clowers, 18, Dundee. Charged with: Burglary of Conveyance (F3, 2 Counts), Attempted Burglary of Conveyance (F3), Conspiracy to Commit Burglary (F3), Possession of Burglary Tools (F3), Grand Theft (F3), Petit Theft (M2), and Violation of Juvenile Probation.

* Armondo Colon, 19, Haines City. Charged with: Burglary of Conveyance (F3, 2 Counts), Attempted Burglary of Conveyance (F3), Conspiracy to Commit Burglary (F3), Possession of Burglary Tools (F3), and Petit Theft (M2).

* Izaya Dillon, 19, Haines City. Charged with: Burglary of Conveyance (F3, 2 Counts), Attempted Burglary of Conveyance (F3), Conspiracy to Commit Burglary (F3), Possession of Burglary Tools (F3), Petit Theft (M2), a Warrant for Failure to Appear, and a citation for Driving While License Suspended/Revoked.

The investigation is ongoing and more charges are anticipated