Polk County Police Pulse

Public Safety Alerts

• 🔥 Third Rabies Case in Bartow: Polk County confirmed a third rabies case within Bartow city limits involving a Brazilian...

Polk County's third rabies case this year confirmed in Bartow city limits—a Brazilian free-tailed bat found near a family cat on April 8.

• Cat now...

Routine stop escalates fast:

• Pulled over for suspended license on Spirit Lake Rd; marijuana odor detected.
• Deputy Ramos & K9 Apollo called; alert...

• Targeted search success: PCSO deputies located 27-year-old Doniven Hutsady Phabsomphou at a Kanoy Drive residence after starting near Lakeland Hills...

Lake Wales PD pays tribute to retired K9 Thor, who passed peacefully at age 12 on April 8.

• Born in Slovakia, joined LWPD in 2016 after training.
  -...

Relief from 134-day ban: Heavy rains eased drought (KBDI from 507 to 360), allowing campfires and legal fires again.

• Chief's advice: Enjoy but keep...

Minor food order spat turns deadly serious in Haines City.

• Suspect: 23-year-old manager Jadiel Luis Baez allegedly pulled a loaded handgun on an...

Major Arrests

• 🔥 Janard Domic Childs Captured: Lakeland Police arrested 34-year-old Janard Domic Childs in Plant City for the February 22 fatal...

Auburndale Police Department confirms William Thomas Martin, 85, as the victim in the April 5 homicide at Lake Blue Mobile Home Park. Stay alert, Polk County—local investigations continue.

Deadly Lakeland blaze: Mobile home on Scenic View Street fully engulfed, leaving 1 dead; investigators probing cause.

Rapid response: Agencies like...

Haines City PD arrested Taco Bell manager Jadiel Luis Baez after early-morning aggravated assault at drive-thru.

• Officers responded at 1:28 a.m....

Public safety update: Polk County suspends its burn ban (effective since Nov. 25) through 11:59 p.m. April 16, thanks to recent heavy rains easing...

Breaking: Victim named in April 5 Lake Blue Mobile Home Park homicide.

• William Thomas Martin, 85, ID'd after autopsy by 10th Judicial Circuit...

• Capture confirmed: Janard Childs, 34, nabbed outside Plant City apartment on April 8 without incident, ending intense search.
• Charges filed:...

PCSO warns of dangers in escalating domestic disputes: Josiah Madden, 34, charged with first-degree attempted murder after setting garage fire knowing...

Deputy-Involved Shooting in North Lakeland

• 🔥 Vietnam Veteran Ronald Breese Killed: PCSO deputies shot and killed 76-year-old Ronald Breese...

Sequence of events in PCSO deputy-involved shooting of Vietnam vet Ronald Breese, 76, on Socrum Loop Rd West:

• Crisis call: Breese threatened...

Winter Haven PD's new outreach:

• Partners with The Wallet Card Project (voluntary, $10 fee) to give residents cards with name, emergency contact,...

Key developments in the PCSO deputy-involved shooting on Socrum Loop Road West:

• Scene status: 2000 block locked down with patrol cars, crime scene...

Polk deputy's response to Vietnam vet's crisis in Lakeland:

• Ronald Breese, 76, called Veterans Crisis Line, threatening self-harm with 5 guns after...