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.

Sep 12, 2017

Suspect caught on video surveillance looting restaurant after curfew

Media Contact: Michele Cash, PIO

Polk County Sheriff's Office detectives are attempting to identify a suspect who burglarized Dona Julia's Mexican Restaurant located at 5375 S. Florida Avenue in Lakeland during the state of emergency.

The suspect forced entry into the restaurant on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, around 1:12 a.m., after he threw a cement paver through the front door. The business owner told detectives the suspect stole approximately $300.00 worth of alcohol.

The suspect is believed to be a white male, 5'7" - 5'9" in height, approximately 20-30 in age, and is medium build. He is wearing a white ball cap (with a dark colored bill), a light colored shirt under a light colored button up, long shorts, and athletic type shoes. He has dark hair and a dark beard.

To view the video surveillance click http://bit.ly/2h29Jo5.

"Let's catch this guy. With so many people helping each other in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, this thug wants to steal from a local business. Shame on him. Call us or call Crime Stoppers if you know him. Let's put him in jail." - Grady Judd, Sheriff

If you have any information about the identity of this suspect please call Detective Williams at 863-499-2400, 863-298-6200, or email him at JWilliams3@polksheriff.org.

Anyone with information who wants to remain ANONYMOUS and to be eligible for a CASH reward is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226- TIPS or log on to www.p3tips.com to submit your tip via the web. For a secure and password protected mobile app for your smart device, go to the app store and download the free "P3tips" mobile app. No caller ID, no recorded lines, no tracking cookies, no saved IP addresses. ANONYMITY IS GUARANTEED!