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 30, 2024

Charge of DUI manslaughter added against Orlando woman involved in fatal Polk County crash

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has added a DUI manslaughter charge (F2) against the Orlando woman who caused a fatal crash in Davenport on July 19, 2024.

36-year old Tiffany West has remained in the Polk County Jail since July 24th, when she was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide (F2) for the death of her friend, 39-year old Alicia Carmona.

The new charge comes after PCSO Traffic Homicide investigators received lab results from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on a sample of West’s blood taken after the crash.

The results showed that West’s blood alcohol content was 0.295g/mL—about three and a half times the legal limit (0.08g/mL).

“Tiffany West was already facing the vehicular homicide charge due to the poor decision to drive over 70mph in a 30mph zone. This new charge is for her poor decision to drink and drive. Alicia Carmona lost her life because of Tiffany’s poor choices, and the two children who were also in the car that night were also injured and lost their mother.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE SENT OUT ON JULY 20, 2024:
Speed and impairment suspected factors in fatal crash near Davenport

A single-vehicle crash near Davenport on Friday, July 19, 2024, resulted in the death of one person, and injuries to three others.

The crash occurred at around 7:54 pm on North Ridge Trail, and is being investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigations.

The preliminary investigation has found that a 2024 Nissan sedan left the roadway at a 90-degree corner while traveling at a high-rate of speed. The vehicle went over a guardrail, through a fence, and struck a tree.

One of the passengers was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. She was identified as 39-year old Alicia Carmona of Jacksonville.

Ms. Carmona’s two children—a 15-year old girl, and a 10-year old boy, were injured. They were both taken to a hospital and were reported to be in stable condition.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 36-year old Tiffany Alexander West of Orlando. Ms. West was transported to a hospital with facial fractures.

A THI detective observed signs of impairment from Ms. West, and a sample of her blood was obtained for testing.

The crash remains under investigation, and criminal charges are expected.

North Ridge Trail was closed for about five hours while detectives worked at the scene.

UPDATED NEWS RELEASE SENT OUT ON JULY 25, 2024
Driver charged with vehicular homicide for fatal crash in Davenport last week
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives from the agency’s Traffic Homicide Investigations have arrested the driver who caused a fatal crash in Davenport on Friday, July 19, 2024.

36-year old Tiffany West of Orlando was arrested Wednesday, July 24th and taken to the Polk County Jail. She was charged with Vehicular Homicide (F2).

Detectives were able to calculate West’s vehicle had been traveling between 72-79 mph (at a minimum) in a 30 mph zone.

39-year old Alicia Carmona was ejected during the crash, and she died at the scene.
Carmona’s two children were also injured.

“I am happy to say that the two children have been released from the hospital and they are now living with their aunt. They still have some physical injuries to recover from, but even worse for them is that they lost their mother due to the irresponsible actions of Tiffany West.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

A sample of West’s blood was taken after the crash, and it was sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to be tested. PCSO detectives noted that West showed signs of impairment Friday night, and they anticipate that DUI Manslaughter and other charges are likely once the results of the blood test are received.

The investigation is ongoing.