WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A routine traffic stop early Friday morning escalated into a wildlife investigation after Florida Highway Patrol troopers discovered more than a dozen live iguanas bound and being transported in a pickup truck.
According to FHP Public Affairs Officer Sgt. Steve Gaskins, troopers stopped a Ford F-150 towing a utility trailer around 6:30 a.m. on April 30, 2026, along SR-540 (Winter Lake Road) near Thornhill Road due to a tag light violation.
The driver, identified as Rendon Casildo-Acdiel, 32, of Georgia, was found to have a suspended license and no valid Florida driving privileges. He told troopers he was aware of the suspension due to unresolved court requirements.
During the stop, troopers became suspicious of the driver’s travel explanation, which involved multiple states and raised concerns about the purpose of the trip. A Polk County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit was requested to assist.
Following the investigation, troopers discovered 13 live iguanas in the bed of the truck. According to authorities, the animals had their feet zip-tied behind their backs while being transported.
Investigators from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural/Marine Unit responded to the scene. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission assumed the lead on the wildlife portion of the investigation.
Casildo-Acdiel was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail on a charge of driving while license suspended.
The iguanas were seized and turned over to a local rescue organization.
The investigation remains ongoing.
